In-state beer sales are up: NBWA conference highlights

Beer distributors from all 50 states arrived in Washington, D.C., for the 2015 National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) Legislative Conference to advocate for effective state-based alcohol regulation and to educate members of Congress about the regulatory, economic and commercial value that independent beer distributors provide.

NBWA President and CEO Craig Purser shared new data from a survey of NBWA distributor members that revealed:

92% of distributors carry products from at least one local, in-state brewer;
96% of those distributors carry multiple brands of local brewers;
96% say in-state brewer sales are up; and
94% of distributors have added at least one new brewer partner in the past year.

“These numbers show that distributors are supporting the growth of new brewers and helping start-up, local brewers reach new markets and new consumers,” Purser said.

Purser also referenced a report from The Boston Consulting Group that says today’s independent system of alcohol distribution is “freely competitive and driven by consumer choice.” It goes on to explain how this system – and state alcohol laws – creates an open market for brewers of all sizes, large and small.

Purser added, “All industry participants – and all of their success stories – are built on that foundation of effective state regulation of alcohol as provided by the 21st Amendment.”