The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for July 2024 shows an increase in year-over-year beer ordering volumes for the fifth straight month — the first such streak since 2021. Something to celebrate, right? Well …
Six out of seven measured segments saw increased year-over-year ordering — and that seventh segment is unfortunately craft. Segment growth was led by Below Premium with a substantial 23-point jump to 62, its highest reading since May 2020. Premium Lights (63 reading) reached the 60s for only the second time since 2021.
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.
The BPI reading of 59 marked the fifth consecutive month in expansion territory (50+) and the highest July reading since 2021. Coupled with an At-Risk Inventory reading of 44 (the ninth straight month under 50), these measures reflect a continued positive purchasing outlook for the beer industry.
Looking across the segments for July
The index for imports continues to point to expanding volumes with a July 2024 reading of 73, three points higher than July 2023 reading of 70.
The craft index at 30 for July 2024 continues to signal contraction in this segment and is nine points lower than the July 2023 reading at 39.
The premium lights index rose 63 for July 2024, nine points higher than July 2023 reading at 54.
The premium regular index rose to 58 for July 2024, eight points higher the July 2023 reading at 50.
The below premium segment for July 2024 at 62 is 23 points higher than July 2023 reading of 39.
The FMB/seltzer reading for July 2024 at 39 is nine points higher than the July 2023 reading at 30.
Finally, the cider segment posted a July 2024 reading at 36 compared to 32 for July 2023.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.