Breaking News

Multicolored packages of craft beers and seltzers line shelves of a store's refrigerated section.

Even though seltzer sales saw an uptick final year, craft beer sales declined.
Scott Olson/Getty Pictures

In February, the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s beer purchasers’ index showed an improve 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 basically a 7% improve in import and domestic, so a lot of price tag-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 additional prepared to broaden their horizons.

“Fifteen years ago, or even almost certainly significantly 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 people today coming via 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.

Leave a Reply