Michigan Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
This guide covers everything you need to know about alcohol in Michigan. All interested wholesalers and alcohol distributors need to be on top of things and following the trends in each state is a part of doing so. For that reason, please find some essential information on the legal rules, consumption trends, and other necessary information to help you either start or expand your business in Michigan. Also, if you have any questions or issues, feel free to contact us here at Park Street, and we’ll gladly advise.
Consumption Trends In Michigan
Michigan Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Michigan Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Michigan Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Michigan Spirits Volume By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in Michigan by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 877 | $57 |
| Canadian Whisky | 802 | $224 |
| Scotch Whisky | 162 | $47 |
| Irish Whiskey | 125 | N/A |
| Gin | 290 | $75 |
| Vodka | 2,636 | $666 |
| Rum | 1,014 | $261 |
| Tequila | 707 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 1,789 | $345 |
| Cocktails | 133 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Michigan Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Wine trends in Michigan by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 7,400 |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 1,100 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 290 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 24.8 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Michigan Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Beer trends in Michigan by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 8.4 | 271.5 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 8.8 | 282.3 |
| Super & Super Premium | 8.8 | 285.3 |
| Light | 27.6 | 888.8 |
| Popular | 4.1 | 130.7 |
| Imported | 18.0 | 580.8 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Michigan
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Captain Morgan (excludes Parrot Bay)
- Fireball
- Smirnoff
- Bacardi
- Crown Royal
- Hennessy
- Jack Daniel’s
- Jose Cuervo
- Patron
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Michigan
- Coming Soon!
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Michigan
- Coming Soon!
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Michigan
All states, including Michigan, operate on what’s known as the three-tier system. The manufacturers and suppliers make up the first tier. Importers and wholesalers then purchase products from the first tier. They are what’s known as the middle tier. From there, the products are sold to on-premise and off-premise retailers. All sales must flow through this tiered system with no exceptions. If you’re looking to learn more about the whole process, then please feel free to click the link below for more information.
Do you need more information about the distributors located in Michigan? Interested in building your brand? If so, then the information below will help you. Below you will find a list of many of the top distributors operating within the state. Additionally, if you are interested in getting more information related to the distribution of beer, wine, or distilled spirits in the state, then connect with us.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
More Coming Soon
Beer Distributors
More Coming Soon
More Distributors in Michigan (A-Z)
Full Alabama List Coming Soon!
Click here for a complete list of alcoholic beverage distributors.
Self-Pitch Distribution Model
Finding distribution partners to work with today can be tough. If you’re trying to build your brand, then you know how crucial distribution is today. It’s competitive as thousands of beverage brands exist today and consolidation within the market doesn’t help. If you’re looking for more reach within the marketplace, then you might have another option. One of the options available today for emerging brands is to use Park Street’s self-pitch distribution model.
The self-pitch distribution model is quite similar to the three-tier distribution model where a product is delivered to a retailer, but the key difference is that the sales and marketing aspect of the process is all handled solely by the supplier. Please be sure to watch the video located below to learn more about this distribution model.
Selling Alcohol In Michigan
The state of Michigan has a Liquor Control Commission that controls all things related to the purchase and sale of alcohol in the state. You can find lots of information on the rules and regulations within the legislature on Michigan.gov.
Whether you have a product that’s available for purchase in the state today or if you’re looking to break into the local market, you need to understand the laws for buying various types of alcoholic beverages in the state of Michigan. Should you have further questions or concerns, please click here to reach out to us via email.
We are continuously adding and updating answers to the questions below. Please check back frequently for more information.
FAQs on Michigan Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Michigan?
In Michigan, people can purchase alcohol on-premise and off-premise from 7 AM to 2 AM on Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 2 AM on Sunday.
What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol?
Retailers can sell on-premise and off-premise from 7 AM to 2 AM on Monday to Saturday and from noon to 2 AM on Sunday. However, retailers can obtain a special license extension and sell alcohol from 7 AM on Sundays.
What are the alcohol laws in Michigan?
Michigan state law forbids the sale of alcohol to people under 21, and it also forbids the sale of alcohol to an intoxicated person. Anyone caught breaking this law can earn a fine of $1,000 for a first offense and much steeper fines for subsequent offenses. No retailer can sponsor a contest that requires alcohol, and they can’t use alcohol as a possible prize.
The state has a monopoly on the wholesale sales of distilled spirits and mandates a minimum price for all alcohol sales. Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine, as can the gas stations in most Michigan counties, except for Wayne County, where alcohol is not sold at gas stations.
Also, the state prohibits the sale of alcohol after 9 PM on December 24 and all of December 25. On January 1, on-premise sale of alcohol is allowed until 4 AM.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Michigan?
Grocery and convenience stores in Michigan can sell beer and wine. Thus Walmart, Target, and CVS can sell beer and wine during legal hours of 7 AM to 2 AM, Monday to Saturday.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Michigan?
Michigan’s grocery and convenience stores can sell beer, wine, and liquor.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in Michigan?
Provided they have an alcohol sales permit, gas stations in Michigan can sell beer, wine, and liquor
What is the alcohol excise tax in Michigan?
Michigan enforces a strict excise tax on alcohol as follows:
- Beer Tax – $0.20/gallon
- Wine Tax – $0.51/gallon
- Distilled Spirits Tax – Michigan has a monopoly on the wholesale of distilled spirits, dictating the market price, and no additional tax is charged.
The Federal alcohol excise tax is also included in the price of the alcoholic beverage sold in Michigan, as follows:
- Beer Federal Excise Tax – $18.00/31-gallon barrel, or $0.05 per 12-oz can
- Wine Federal Excise Tax – $1.07 to $3.4/gallon; $0.21 to $0.67/750ml bottle
- Distilled Spirits Federal Excise Tax – $13.5/proof gallon or $2.14/750ml 80-proof bottle (40% ABV).
Buying Alcohol In Michigan – Hours, Locations & Taxes
Are you a consumer looking for info on when and where you can buy alcohol in Michigan? The answers provided below should help you better understand how things work within the state and the applicable laws.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Michigan
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Michigan?
Grocery and convenience stores in Michigan can sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in Michigan?
Provided they have an alcohol sales permit, gas stations in Michigan can sell beer, wine, and liquor.
Does Michigan Allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
Michigan only allows direct-to-consumer shipping only on wine, provided the seller has a DTC permit.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Michigan?
Retailers selling alcohol can do so from 7 AM to 2 AM Monday to Saturday and noon to 2 AM on Sunday.
Can you order alcohol to go in Michigan?
A temporary law was passed in Michigan during the pandemic regarding selling alcohol to go. However, this law is still not in full effect, as it is in consideration, and it would allow restaurants, bars, and distilleries with tasting rooms to sell alcoholic drinks to-go, provided these are not in the original container.
Where in Michigan can you buy alcohol off-premise?
Off-premise alcohol is sold at grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations with adequate licenses.
Where can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in Michigan?
On-premise alcohol in Michigan is sold at restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, etc.
(Data Sources – michigan.gov, wikipedia.org, wikipedia.org)
Here at Park Street, we provide various alcohol brand services i.e. importing, legal compliance, and other services, that allow you to focus on marketing and brand building. We handle everything else! If you’re interested in learning more about the services at Park Street Companies, then please feel free to complete the form below.
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