Connecticut Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
In this guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about Connecticut and alcohol. That includes laws, consumption trends, buying, selling, and more. For those curous, Connecticut is not a dry state, and liquor is legal in all counties.
This New England state has fascinating rules when it comes to alcohol. For example, brands, wholesalers, and distributors should know that Connecticut has a minimum price law, which means that liquor stores must sell wine and spirits at a higher price than what they paid their wholesalers.
For more information please read the guide below as we expand on this, cover much more like consumption trends in the Constitution State, and talk about all the other essential facts that may interest any emerging brand looking to gain market share in Connecticut.
Consumption Trends In Connecticut
Connecticut is a state where consumption growth is present. If you’re interested in learning the facts about which type of alcohol consumption has seen growth and which has seen a decline, then please see below. You will find charts showcasing the growth in consumption broken down by beer, wine, and spirits. The data is displayed over a five-year period. There’s been a +1.3% CAGR for spirits, +0.87% CAGR for wine, and +0.79% CAGR for beer over this particular 5-year period.
Connecticut Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Connecticut Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Connecticut Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Connecticut Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in Connecticut by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 179 | N/A |
| Canadian Whisky | 92 | N/A |
| Scotch Whisky | 175 | N/A |
| Irish Whiskey | 82 | N/A |
| Gin | 126 | N/A |
| Vodka | 1,300 | N/A |
| Rum | 286 | N/A |
| Tequila | 182 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 392 | N/A |
| Cocktails | 98 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Connecticut Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Beer trends in Connecticut by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 3.7 | 117.8 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 3.3 | 106.3 |
| Super & Super Premium | 3.7 | 119.3 |
| Light | 7.8 | 252.0 |
| Popular | 0.8 | 25.0 |
| Imported | 7.5 | 242.5 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Coming Soon: Wine trends in Connecticut by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Connecticut
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Connecticut
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Connecticut
- Coming Soon
Alcohol must be sold through the three-tier system in the United States. For those unfamiliar with this process it means that there are various tiers in which alcohol needs to be sold. Suppliers and manufacturers sell to wholesalers and importers. Wholesalers and importers then sell to distributors. The distributors then sell to on and off-premise retailers. Again, the this three-tier system is a non-negotiable for all alcohol sales in the United States.
Below you will find an updated list of the best distributors located in the state of Connecticut. Need more info on beer, wine, and liquor distributors throughout the US? Check out the full list of distributors or fill out the contact form provided.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
Coming Soon
Beer Distributors
Coming Soon
More Distributors in Connecticut (A-Z)
Coming Soon
Self-Pitch Distribution Model
Finding a good distributor is generally known as being one of the hardest issues with alcohol brand development in the USA.
Although there are hundreds of distribution companies, industry consolidation has reduced the number of companies available in each region.
Therefore, one of the choices open to emerging businesses is putting Park Street’s self-pitch distribution strategy into practice.
Products are provided to retailers similarly in the self-pitch distribution model to the three-tier traditional distribution model. In this case, the supplier is in charge of sales and marketing and building distribution relationships.
Selling Alcohol In Connecticut
The Liquor Control Division, a Department that enforces the Connecticut Liquor Control Act and all related laws and regulations, is in charge of overseeing everything alcohol-related in the state of Connecticut.
You must be aware of the laws if you intend to sell alcoholic beverages in Connecticut. These laws could differ from one county to another. See the list of frequently asked questions on the selling of alcohol in CT if you’re interested. Please get in touch with us if you can’t seem to discover all the answers you’re looking for.
FAQs on Connecticut Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What is the legal age you can sell and serve alcohol to in CT?
It is only legal to serve and sell alcohol to individuals 21 years of age or older in Connecticut.
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Connecticut?
Alcohol cannot be sold in package stores on Sundays. It can be sold at restaurants and other on-premise establishments from 10 AM to 6 PM.
What are the hours off-premise retailers can sell alcohol?
The default hours for selling alcohol in the state of CT are between 9 AM and 10 PM Monday through Saturday.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Connecticut?
Yes, retailers such as Walmart, Target, and CVS do sell alcohol, but not all types. They only sell beer. They don’t sell wine or hard liquor of any type.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Connecticut?
Yes, they sell beer.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in CT?
Yes, they do sell alcohol between 8 AM and 10 PM Monday through Friday.
What is the alcohol excise tax in Connecticut?
Wine
Still Wine: $0.79 per gallon
Still Wine-Produced by Small Wineries:
$.20 per gallon
Sparkling Wine: $1.98 per gallon
Fortified Wine: $1.98 per gallon
Beer/Malt
$0.24 per gallon
Liquor
$5.94 per gallon
<7% abv – $2.71 per gallon
When do bars stop selling alcohol in Connecticut?
Bars must stop selling alcohol between 1 AM and 2 AM in the state of CT depending on the day of the week.
Buying Alcohol In Connecticut – Hours, Locations & Taxes
If you’re a consumer looking to purchase alcohol in the state of Connecticut, then you’ll want to familiarize yourself with some of the laws.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Connecticut
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in CT?
Yes, you can buy beer in grocery stores in CT, providing the store has a permit to sell. However, you cannot buy wine or spirits.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in Connecticut?
Yes, you can buy beer in gas stations providing that they offer it for purchase to customers. Unless local law does not permit the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in CT?
You can buy alcohol on Sunday at on-premise retailers, but they do not sell alcohol at off-premise retailers i.e. liquor stores.
Does Connecticut allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
Direct-to-consumer shipping is allowed for some spirits and wine only, not beer.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Arkansas?
You can buy liquor, wine and beer between the hours of 7 AM and 1 AM.
Can you order alcohol to go in Connecticut?
The sale of alcohol to go is no longer allowed in the state of Connecticut.
(Data Sources – portal.ct.gov, wikipedia.org)
At Park Street, we provide services to many clients of all sizes and alcohol types. We help them expand their reach and improve their processes. If you’re looking to grow your brand and focus on marketing while we do the rest, then please reach out to us!
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