According to the National Beer Wholesalers Association‘s (NBWA) Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) — which surveys beer distributors’ purchases across different segments — craft beer was back on the positive side of the ledger in July after a weirdly big dip in June.
The total beer index rose two points from 63 in July 2018 to 65 in July 2019. This reading is relatively stronger than the historical July readings from 2015 to 2018. The “At Risk Inventory” reading, this month at 45, has also consistently trended down since March 2019. In the BPI, a reading greater than 50 indicates the segment is expanding, while a reading below 50 indicates the segment is contracting.
Looking across the segments…
- The index for imports took another step back from 2018 highs but remained in expansion territory in July 2019 with an index reading of 65 compared to the July 2018 reading of 71.
- The craft index at 59 is below the July 2018 reading of 66 but remains in expansion territory in 2019.
- Premium lights and below premiums held their own against 2018 readings while premium regulars posted an 11-point increase over 2018 readings. All three segments continue to struggle with below 50 index readings.
- The flavored malt beverage/progressive adult beverage (FMB/PAB) segment saw another increase over 2018 with an index reading of 81 in July 2019 compared to 68 in July 2018.
- The cider segment fell to 46 from 42 and continues to contract from its peak readings in late 2018.
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