Idaho Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers

All US states have different rules and regulations regarding alcohol, and the Gem State is not an exception. That holds true for producing, manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing, even consuming. In recent years, Idaho has experienced an increase in residents, making this state appealing to alcohol manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the facts about consumption trends, growth stats, sales, selling and buying laws and more. At Park Street, we strive to bring you the most accurate industry stats, consumer trends, compliance rules, and other essential data that may interest anyone looking to spread their operations in the Potato State. See below for Idaho alcohol sales information and the most frequently asked questions.

Consumption Trends In Idaho

Idaho has seen a lot of growth in recent years with regard to spirits consumption. We cover growth for spirits, wine, and beer below along with charts for visualization of the growth comparison by product type. The data is displayed over a five-year period. There’s been a +5.09% CAGR for spirits, +0.37% CAGR for wine, and -1.61% CAGR for beer over this particular 5-year period.

Idaho Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

Idaho Spirits Growth 2015-2020

Idaho Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

Idaho Wine Volume Growth 2015-2020

Idaho Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

Idaho Beer Volume Growth 2015-2020

Idaho Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

Spirit trends in Idaho by volume and dollar sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 9-liter cases
Dollar Sales
Millions
Straight Whiskey 155 N/A
Canadian Whisky 221 N/A
Scotch whisky 24 N/A
Irish whiskey 23 N/A
Gin 55 N/A
Vodka 402 N/A
Rum 135 N/A
Tequila 90 N/A
Cordials/Liqueurs 260 N/A
Cocktails 19 N/A

Source: Beverage Information Group

Idaho Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

See below for the wine trends in Idaho by volume sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 9-liter cases
Table 1,500
Wine Coolers Unknown
Champagne & Sparkling 31.5
Dessert & Fortified 5.6
Vermouth & Aperitif 2.4

Source: Beverage Information Group

Idaho Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

See below for the beer trends in Idaho by volume sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases
Volume Sales barrels
Craft 1.1 36.5
FMBs & Hard Seltzer 0.8 27.1
Super & Super Premium 1.4 44.4
Light 6.0 194.6
Popular 0.6 20.2
Imported 1.4 46.6

Source: Beverage Information Group
 

The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Idaho

  • Coming Soon

The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Idaho

  • Coming Soon

The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
InIdaho

  • Coming Soon

Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Idaho

Alcohol is sold through a three-tier system in the United States. The “middle tier” of the industry consists of wholesalers or importers. They receive products from the lower-tier, which consists of suppliers and manufacturers. They then sell the products to distributors who sell them to retailers. The retailers then sell to consumers. All sales go through the three-tier system in the United States.

 

Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of Idaho. Need more info on the many distributors of alcohol 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 Idaho (A-Z)

Coming Soon

Click here to access the list of alcohol distributors. 

Self-Pitch Distribution Model

In the environment that we operate in today, it can be difficult to find distributors willing to sell your brand.

As you may or may not know, there are hundreds, even thousands of brands and far fewer distribution businesses to move your product through the tiers.

To reduce complication and increase the chances of getting distribution, many use Park Street’s self-pitch distribution approach..

The self-pitch distribution model is comparable to the three-tier conventional distribution model in that goods is distributed to retailers, but the main distinction is that the supplier is in charge of sales and marketing.

Selling Alcohol In Idaho

In the state of Idaho, all th alcohol is controlled by the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Bureau. They handle everything related to alcohol including selling, licensing, producing and more. If you’re interested in checking out all the liquor laws in Idaho, you can visit liquor.idaho.gov to view everything.

If you’re looking to sell alcoholic beverages in Idaho, then you absolutely need to know th rules and regulations. We’ve provided answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions related to the sale of alcohol in the state, then see below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out to us.

FAQs on Idaho Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Idaho?

Retailers are not allowed to sell alcohol on Sunday, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Local counties have the option to permit the sale of liquor on a few of those days, however, not on Christmas Day. Alcohol can be sold on election days in Idaho.

What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol?

Alcohol can be sold in Idaho between the hours of 6 AM and 1 AM. Local city law may permit licensed establishments to sell until 2 AM.

How old do you have to be to serve alcohol in Idaho?

You must be at least 19 years old to serve alcohol at on-premise retailers in Idaho.

Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Idaho?

Yes, Walmart sells alcohol in Idaho from 6 AM to 1 AM, as well as CVS.

Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Idaho?

Yes, they do in Idaho.

Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in Idaho?

In Idaho, you are able to purchase beer and wine at gas stations providing that they hold a license to sell the products. All establishments must meet the requirements of the Idaho State Liquor Division in order to sell.

What is the alcohol excise tax in Idaho?

Wine
$0.45 per gallon”

Beer/Malt
$0.15 per gallon

Liquor
Idaho is one of the 17 states where the government controls the sale of distilled spirits and therefore, controls the revenue generated from such sales.

Buying Alcohol In Idaho – Hours, Locations & Taxes

The laws for buying alcohol may vary in Idaho from city to city. That said, statewide laws to exist. If you’re interested in learning them, please see below for more information as we answer the most common questions we’re asked about buying beer, wine, and spirits in Idaho.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Idaho

Can you buy liquor online in Idaho?

Yes, you can now buy liquor online in Idaho through websites like Drizly.

Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in Idaho?

In Idaho, you can buy beer and wine at gas stations as long as the retailer holds the proper licensing.

Does Idaho allow direct-to-consumer shipping?

The state allows DTC for wine shipping only, not beer or hard spirits.

What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Idaho?

Consumers are able to purchase between the standard hours of 6 AM – 1 AM. Some cities permit the sale of alcohol until 2 AM.

Can you order alcohol to go in Idaho?

Yes, alcohol delivery is legal in Idaho.

Where in Idaho can buy alcohol off-premise?

Hard liquor can be purchased at a state-run liquor store.

Where can you buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in Idaho?

You may purchase alcohol for on-premise consumption at all locations that hold valid licenses to sell.

At Park Street, we provide services to thousands of clients looking to expand their reach and improve their processes. Services provided include but are not limited to accounting, alcohol compliance, logistics, and more. If you’re looking to grow your brand and focus on marketing while we do the rest, then please reach out to us!

Looking For An Importer, Distributor or Back-Office Solution?

Find out why Park Street is a leading distributor and solution in the wine & spirits industry. Contact us to find out exactly what we can do for your brand.