Press Release

Beer Ordering for Independence Day Hits Three-Year High

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released the Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for June 2024.

As beer distributors across the country prepare for July 4th, America’s top beer drinking holiday, they reported the highest June ordering levels in three years.

The BPI’s total beer index of 58 marked the highest June reading since 2021, as well as the fourth straight month in expansion (>50) territory.

At-risk inventory measured at 42, reflecting a decrease in the amount of product in distributor facilities that is within one month of expiration date. Together, these readings indicate a positive outlook for the beer industry’s pivotal summer season.

Five out of seven measured segments saw equal or increased year-over-year ordering. Imports remained at the top with its sixth reading at 70 or above in the past 24 months — the only segment to reach that mark during that time period.

 

Looking across the segments for June:

  • The index for imports continues to point to expanding volumes with a June 2024 reading of 70, two points higher than June 2023 reading of 68.
  • The craft index at 27 for June 2024 continues to signal contraction in this segment and is eleven points lower than the June 2023 reading at 38.
  • The premium lights index was flat at 52 for June 2024 with the same reading as June 2023.
  • The premium regular index fell to 49 for June 2024, four points below the June 2023 reading at 53.
  • The below premium segment for June 2024 at 54 is one point higher than June 2023 reading of 53.
  • The FMB/seltzer reading for June 2024 at 38 is seven points higher than the June 2023 reading at 31.
  • Finally, the cider segment posted an June 2024 reading at 31 compared to 28 for June 2023.

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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors who service every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Licensed at the federal and state levels, beer distributors get bottles, cans, cases and kegs from a brewer or importer to stores, restaurants and other licensed retail accounts through a transparent and accountable regulatory system. Distributors build brands of all sizes – from familiar domestic beers to new startup labels and imports from around the world – and generate enormous consumer choice while supporting more than 140,000 quality jobs in their home communities. Beer distributors work locally to keep communities safe by sponsoring programs to promote responsible consumption, combat drunk driving and reduce underage drinking.