Total beer category ordering rose again in June, with a reading of 54, according to the latest Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) shared by the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).
It was the second consecutive month beer posted a reading above 50, indicating expansion, following a reading of 52 in May. A reading below 50 indicates a segment is in contraction.
While the latest BPI shows improvement, it is below beer’s nine-year June average of 60.
The industry’s at-risk inventory (ARI) – product within one month of its out-of-code date – remained above 50 with a reading of 51, but was significantly below May’s reading of 61, indicating wholesaler inventories may be leveling out.
Four of the seven beer segments in the BPI recorded expansion, led by imports. The segment recorded a reading of 68, above its June 2022 reading of 61.
Other segments to expand include:
- Premium regular (53, above its June 2022 reading of 36);
- Below premium (53, above its June 2022 reading of 42);
- And premium lights (52, above its June 2022 reading of 44).
Craft recorded a reading of 38, indicating continued contraction. However, the segment improved slightly from its June 2022 reading of 33.
Flavored malt beverages/hard seltzer recorded a reading of 31, below its June 2022 reading of 36. Similarly, cider recorded a reading of 28, below its June 2022 reading of 30.