Illinois Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
TIn this article we compare distilled spirits, wine, and liquor with regard to rules, regulations, buying, selling, and more. We’ll cover the main points that suppliers, producers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers need to know about alcoholic beverages in Illinois. Find out everything you need to know about alcohol in the state of Illinois, starting with consumptions trends.
Consumption Trends In Illinois
The consumption trends over the last fives years have changed. Below you will find graphs showcasing the trends we’re seeing in consumption by 9-liter cases. Over the last five years, spirits CAGR has increased by 2.44%. Wine CAGR has increased by 1.16% and beer CAGR has increased by 0.34% as well. See the charts for more info.
Illinois Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Illinois Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Illinois Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Illinois Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in Illinois by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 875 | $259 |
| Canadian Whisky | 564 | $279 |
| Scotch Whisky | 311 | $211 |
| Irish Whiskey | 269 | N/A |
| Gin | 408 | $188 |
| Vodka | 3,500 | $1,774 |
| Rum | 1,000 | $517 |
| Tequila | 791 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 813 | $360 |
| Cocktails | 569 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Illinois Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Wine trends in Illinois by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 12,500 |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 2,700 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 684 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 175.4 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Illinois Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Beer trends in Illinois by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 11.5 | 372.5 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 14.1 | 455.8 |
| Super & Super Premium | 10.3 | 333.6 |
| Light | 42.8 | 1380.8 |
| Popular | 7.3 | 234.2 |
| Imported | 38.1 | 1229.2 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Alabama
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Smirnoff
- Bacardi
- New Amsterdam Vodka
- Crown Royal
- Captain Morgan (excludes Parrot Bay)
- Hennessy
- Jameson
- Jim Beam Family
- Fireball
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Illinois
- Coming Soon!
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Illinois
- Coming Soon!
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Illinois
Illinois and other states are all subject to the same three-tier distribution model. This means that every state is subject to the same laws and rules when it comes to the sale of alcohol. If you’re not familiar with how it works, suppliers and producers sell their products to middle-tier businesses. Middle-tier refers to importers and wholesalers, who sell to retailers. If you’re looking for more information about this system, then you can find it here.
Are you interested in understanding everything about the top distributors in the state of Illinois? Please find the largest distributors listed below. If you’re looking for additional information, then please feel free to reach out to us directly.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
More Coming Soon
Beer Distributors
More Coming Soon
More Distributors in Illinois(A-Z)
Full Illinois List Coming Soon!
Click here for a complete list of alcoholic beverage distributors.
Self-Pitch Distribution Model
If you’re looking to find distribution for your product, then you might consider a model known as the self-pitch distribution model. This is one of the options that lots of brands choose today to increase their reach and brand growth potential. Many brands choose is Park Street’s self-pitch distribution model.
With the self-pitch distribution model, sales and marketing are all handled by the supplier. Learn more about this approach by watching the video below.
Selling Alcohol In Illinois
The licensing, selling, education, and regulation of alcohol are all handled by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. This section showcases answers to questions about selling alcohol in the state of Illinois.
If you’re looking to sell alcohol in the state, it’s important that you know the laws surrounding the sale of alcohol. Click here to reach out to us via email.
Note: We are continuously trying to add and improve answers to the questions published below. Should you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
FAQs on Illinois Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What is the alcohol excise tax in Illinois?
< 20%: $1.39 per gallon
≥ 20%: $8.55 per gallon
Chicago Wine
≤14%: $0.36 per gallon
Chicago Wine
>14%, but < 20%
Beer/Malt
$0.231 per gallon
Liquor
$8.55 per gallon
<20% abv – $1.39 per gallon
$2.68 per gallon in Chicago
$2.50 per gallon in Cook County
Does Illinois allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
In the state of Illinois, wine is the only direct-to-consumer shipping-approved product that can be sent.
What are the alcohol laws in Illinois?
Illinois state law prohibits people under 21 from purchasing alcohol but allows people over 18 to work as bartenders and serve alcohol. The penalty for serving alcohol to a person under 21 is $2,500 and possible jail time of up to one year. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to an intoxicated person, and the penalty is up to one year in jail and a fine from $500 to $2,500.
There are no restrictions on the sales of alcohol, and most establishments can sell alcohol 24/7. Anyone over 21 can drive with a BAC of up to 0.08%; anything over the state limit is punishable by a license suspension of six months and a fine.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Illinois?
Retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS can sell alcohol in Illinois, following the state-prescribed sales times.
Does Target sell alcohol on Sunday in Illinois?
Yes, Target sells alcohol on Sunday in Illinois, following the state-prescribed sales times.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Illinois?
Yes, grocery stores in Illinois can sell off-premise beer, wine, and liquor; the times vary per county. Generally, the sale is from 7 AM to 2 AM Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 3 AM on Saturday, and 8 AM to 2 AM on Sunday.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in Illinois?
Illinois gas stations can sell off-premise beer, wine, and liquor; the sale is from 7 AM to 2 AM Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 3 AM on Saturday, and 8 AM to 2 AM on Sunday.
Buying Alcohol In Illinois – Hours, Locations & Taxes
If you’re a consumer looking for information on when and where you can buy alcohol in Illinois, the answer is provided below. Learn all the most frequently asked questions related to buying beer, wine, and spirits in the state of Illinois.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Illinois
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Illinois?
Yes, you can freely buy liquor for off-premise consumption in grocery stores in Illinois.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in Illinois?
Yes, you can freely buy alcohol in Illinois gas stations for off-premise consumption.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Illinois?
The alcohol sales times in Illinois vary per county, and some counties have a 24/7 sales policy. However, most off-premise and on-premise alcohol sales are from 7 AM to 2 AM Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 3 AM on Saturday and 8 AM to 2 AM on Sunday.
Can you order alcohol to go in Illinois?
Yes, you can order alcohol to go in Illinois, provided it is packaged in its original container and is delivered by a person over 21 years old. The customer also needs to provide adequate proof of age.
Where in Illinois can buy alcohol off-premise?
Off-premise alcohol can be purchased in Illinois gas stations, grocery stores, package stores, and specialized liquor stores.
Where can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in Illinois?
On-premise alcohol can be purchased in Illinois bars, restaurants, clubs, breweries, and taprooms.
(Data Sources – Visit the following pages for further information: illinois.gov, wikipedia.org)
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