In the past year the Beer Purchasers’ Index has dropped from 55 to 47 for total beer. This emphasizes the overall decline in beer orders, with constant indexes reading below 50 over the past four months. Distributors have reported more inventory at risk of going out of code in the coming month. Aside from beer, the index for imports, craft orders, premium lights, and premium regulars all posted lower readings compared to the same time last year. The flavored malt category, however, has showed an expansion with a 57 index reading compared to the 2017 51 index reading. Showing the greatest increase, the cider segment has expanded with a current posting of a 53 index up from a 27 index last year.
Source: NBWA January, 2019