Most wine and spirits execs agree that the on-premise is slowly coming back, particularly in major urban areas. Recently research firm Technomic predicted that overall consumer expenditures on alcohol at the on-premise would increase "moderately" by 2.4% in 2012. "While the underlying recovery in bars and restaurants remain fragile, we're starting to see consumers return to having a drink or two while they're out," said David Henkes, vp at Technomic and the director of the firm's on-premise practice. "Wine sales are poised for the strongest growth, but beer and wine will also see slightly higher consumer sales." Technomic believes wine sales will grow by 3.5%, spirits by 2.3% and beer by 2.2%.