Beer purchasing looks steady heading into final months of 2023

The October data in the Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) shows a steady state for the industry, according to the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA). The October results show increased ordering trends for six out of seven segments, led by a 17 point jump for premium regular.

The BPI is the only forward-looking indicator for distributors to measure expected beer demand. 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.

For October, the BPI came in at 48, which remains just slightly below the benchmark for a third month in a row, while the At-Risk Inventory (ARI) measure comes in at an even 50. The NBWA says the data suggests industry consistency heading into the final months of 2023.

Looking across the segments for October:

• The index for imports continues to point to expanding volumes with October 2023 reading at 67 higher than October 2022 reading of 59.
• The craft index at 31 for October 2023 continues to signal contraction in this segment yet it is higher relative to the October 2022 reading at 23.
• The premium light index rose to 53 for October 2023 above the October 2022 reading at 45.
• The premium regular index rose to 49 for October 2023 above the October 2022 reading at 32.
• The below premium segment for October 2023 fell to 45 and is slightly lower than October 2022 reading at 47.
• The FMB/seltzer reading for October 2023 at 28 is higher than the October 2022 reading at 18.
• Finally, the cider segment posted a October reading at 35 compared to 30 for October 2022.