Alcohol in USA
Spending for alcohol in the United States is growing. Americans in 2018 spent $12.4 billion more, for a total figure of $253.8 billion with an increase of 5.1%. Against a consumption in volumes for wine, beer and spirits, which recorded an increase of only just 0.2%, according to research company Bw166.
Wine
Total wholesale spending in the US rose by 3.61% to $125.3 billion. In detail, in regards to wine, 431.8 million 9-liter cases brought an increase of 1.4% (including cider), compared to an expenditure that reached $72.2 billion (+ 4.91%). The average price for a bottle (0.75 liters) was $10.84 (excluding retail markups).
Beer and spirits
Beer registered 200.2 million barrels (1 barrel = 117.3 liters) with a cost increase of 5% to $117.3 billion. Spirits grew by 2.9% in volume, with 235.6 million 9-liter cases, and an expense that reached $64.3 billion and an increase of 5.6%. The Bw166 analysts noted that in the United States there are 2.4 million more people (+1%) among those in the minimum drinking age, reaching 240.7 million units, with a tendency of older drinkers.
Alcohol market in 2019
Among the trends, we noted growth of direct sales as a phenomenon to keep an eye on, especially for wine and beer. According to Bw166, 2019 should be characterized by a growing fragmentation between purchased products and purchase channels.