Press Release
Beer Distributors Report Increased Purchasing Ahead of July 4th
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released the Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for June 2026.
The June BPI reading of 52 marks the fourth consecutive month at or above 50, while the combined readings for BPI (52) and at-risk inventory (44) give the industry its first three-month expansionary streak since 2024.
At-risk inventory dropped eight points from the June 2025 reading of 52. After a period of inventory recalibration, the beer industry appears to have found a healthier equilibrium entering its most pivotal season.
Growth Across Segments
All segments recorded year-over-year improvement, led by a 23-point increase for Imports to 61 — its first reading above 60 since July 2024.
Cider reached 50 for the first time since 2018, following a 17-point jump from June 2025. The segment continues its upward trajectory in BPI data this year.
Looking across the segments for June:
- The imports index at 61 is 23 points higher than June 2025 and 10 points higher than May 2026.
- The craft index at 21 is six points higher than June 2025 and three points higher than May 2026.
- The premium lights index at 48 is 15 points higher than June 2025 and eight points higher than May 2026.
- The premium regular index at 42 is 11 points higher than June 2025 and seven points lower than May 2026.
- The below premium index at 50 is five points higher than June 2025 and one point higher than May 2026.
- The FMB/seltzer index at 47 is one point higher than June 2025 and even with May 2026.
- The cider segment at 50 is 17 points higher than June 2025 and six points higher than May 2026.
About NBWA’s Beer Purchasers’ Index: 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 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 135,000 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.