Gallup Poll shows beer as Americans’ adult beverage of choice

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) – which represents the interests of America’s 3,300 licensed, independent beer distributors – is celebrating a new Gallup poll showing that Americans who drink alcohol choose beer over wine and liquor as the type of alcohol they consume most often. The poll found that 41 percent of U.S. drinkers report they typically drink beer; 31 percent name wine and 23 percent name liquor.

“Today’s marketplace offers an unparalleled number of styles, varieties and flavors of beer to consumers from coast to coast,” said NBWA President and Chief Executive Officer Craig Purser. “American consumers continue to demonstrate that they enjoy this vast variety, which is made possible by an independent distribution system that allows access to market for brewers of all sizes and a state-based regulatory system that works to level the playing field between brewers, distributors and retailers.”

“With an 18 percent growth in volume in 2013, craft beer continues to provide a significant contribution to the American beer industry,” Purser added. “Additionally, the explosion of new, innovative products and the rapid growth of imports are giving consumers more choice in the beer category than ever before. NBWA is proud of the role that independent beer distributors play to introduce consumers to new beer.”

The Gallup poll also showed that 64 percent of U.S. adults say they have occasion to consume alcoholic beverages, whereas 36 percent identify as total abstainers.

“This poll is a reminder that today’s effective state-based regulatory system must continue to provide critical balance in serving consumer interests but also the public as a whole, including those Americans who choose not to drink,” Purser said.