Beer ordering for Independence Day hits three-year high but craft struggles

As beer distributors nationwide geared up for America’s favorite beer-drinking holiday last week — July 4th — the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) revealed a refreshing surprise: the Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for June 2024 soared to its highest level in three years. With a total beer index of 58, this milestone marks the fourth consecutive month of expansion and sets the stage for a promising summer season for the beer industry. Yet, surrounded by all this positivity, the craft beer sector still struggled with orders from wholesalers while imports continued to elevate the sector.

First off, the BPI is a forward-looking indicator measuring expected demand from beer distributors — one month forward. A reading greater than 50 indicates the segment is expanding, while a reading below 50 indicates the segment is contracting. The craft index for June 2024 was 27. Blah. The BPI’s total beer index of 58 marked the highest June reading since 2021, as well as the fourth straight month in expansion (>50) territory. At-risk inventory measured at 42, reflecting a decrease in the amount of product in distributor facilities that is within one month of expiration date. Together, these readings indicate a positive outlook for the beer industry’s summer season.

According to this press release, five out of seven measured segments saw equal or increased year-over-year ordering. Imports remained at the top with its sixth reading at 70 or above in the past 24 months — the only segment to reach that mark during that time period.

Looking across the segments for June:

• The index for imports continues to point to expanding volumes with a June 2024 reading of 70, two points higher than June 2023 reading of 68.
• The craft index at 27 for June 2024 continues to signal contraction in this segment and is eleven points lower than the June 2023 reading at 38.
• The premium lights index was flat at 52 for June 2024 with the same reading as June 2023.
• The premium regular index fell to 49 for June 2024, four points below the June 2023 reading at 53.
• The below premium segment for June 2024 at 54 is one point higher than June 2023 reading of 53.
• The FMB/seltzer reading for June 2024 at 38 is seven points higher than the June 2023 reading at 31.
• Finally, the cider segment posted an June 2024 reading at 31 compared to 28 for June 2023.