Press Release

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released the Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for August 2022.

The August 2022 BPI results show the total beer index is at 46 and “at-risk” inventory is at 54. The August data marks a notable shift from previous readings for the “at-risk” inventory measure, now over 50, indicating more inventories are at risk of going out of code over the next 30 days. “At-risk” indicates a product is at risk of expiring. This is an expected outcome as higher inventory levels are typically associated with lower orders. Continued inflationary pressures, extreme heat and a slowing economy bring the industry to a third month of pause after five months of positive ordering trends.

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.

Looking across the segments for August:

• The imports index stands as the only beer segment in expansion territory with a reading of 63 in August 2022, slightly lower relative to the August 2021 reading of 66.
• The craft index at 28 is well below the August 2021 reading of 59.
• The premium lights index posted a reading of 38, below the August 2021 reading of 57.
• The premium regular segment index is at 33, below the August 2021 reading of 41.
• The below premium segment is at 42, which is slightly higher than the August 2021 reading of 37. For a third month, this is the only segment to see an increase year-over-year.
• The FMB/seltzer index took another big hit, falling to 31 in August 2022 from the August 2021 reading of 58.
• Finally, the cider segment remains below 50, with the August 2022 results at 26 compared to August 2021’s reading of 43.