Beer sales are up. What can that inform us about the economy?

In February, the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s beer purchasers’ index showed an boost in total beer sales year more than year. Segments like sub-premium beers — feel Keystone and Pabst Blue Ribbon — as effectively as seltzers saw upticks. Meanwhile, the craft segment suffered the biggest decline across the board.

“Craft beer on a complete we’ve noticed an eight% lower [in sales]. But we’ve noticed essentially a 7% boost in import and domestic, so a lot of value-conscious shoppers are out there,” mentioned Jason Perkins, owner of Perk’s Beer and Beverage in Scarborough, Maine.

Considering the fact that opening 4 years ago, Perkins has noticed that beer-only drinkers are much more prepared to broaden their horizons.

“Fifteen years ago, or even most likely much less than that, it is if you are a beer drinker, you are a beer drinker,” Perkins mentioned. “And that does not genuinely exist any longer. With the younger individuals coming by way of now, exactly where it is, you know, a standard evening could be a beer, seltzer and a cocktail or a beer, seltzer and a glass of wine.”

To listen to Perkins’ story, click the audio player above.

There’s a lot taking place in the planet.  By means of it all, Marketplace is right here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and inform you how it impacts you in a truth-primarily based, approachable way. We rely on your economic assistance to preserve generating that attainable. 

Your donation nowadays powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $five/month, you can assist sustain Marketplace so we can preserve reporting on the points that matter to you.