NBWA releases Beer Purchasers’ Index for May, craft index continues to post positive readings

Last week, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released the Beer Purchasers’ Index for May 2018. The index surveys beer distributors’ purchases across different segments and compares them to previous years. A reading greater than 50 indicates the segment is expanding, while a reading below 50 indicates the segment is contracting.

The May 2018 Beer Purchaser’s Index at 59 for total beer fell two points below last year’s index to 61.

“This reading indicates the industry is expanding, but at a slightly lower than this time last year,” said NBWA Chief Economist Lester Jones.

Looking across the segments:

• The index for imports is two points higher at 71 compared to May 2017 at 69.
• The craft index continues to post positive readings with an index of 55 though lower than the 58 index from May 2017.
• Premium lights fell to 42 from 46, while regular premiums and below premiums both saw slightly higher readings with below premiums jumping above the 40 mark for the first time since 2014.
• The flavored malt beverage/progressive adult beverage (FMB/PAB) segment saw a one-point increase to 55.
• Cider continues to show significant signs of recovery in 2018 posting an index at 42 with each new monthly index higher than prior months.