Press Release
NBWA Releases Beer Purchasers’ Index for February 2022
Media contact: Erin Donar | EDonar@nbwa.org | 703-229-3702
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released the Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for February 2022. For the second month in 2022, the industry has reverted to pre-pandemic trends. The February 2022 BPI survey shows the total beer reading at 43 and “at-risk” inventory at 64, reminiscent of when inventories were too high, and order indexes were typically at or below 50. The February 2022 total beer reading of 43 stands out as one of the lowest over the past eight years. Following a solid comparative reading in 2021, expect 2022 index readings to show signs of weakness.
The dramatic drop in the FMB/seltzer BPI continues, falling to 34 in February 2022 from 95 in February 2021. Meanwhile, readings for premium lights, regular premium, below premium and ciders fell below 50 for the month. The craft segment managed to break above 50 to hit 51. The import segment was the only segment to report a significant expansionary index in February. The “at-risk” inventory measures at 64. This is another high mark since May 2020. It is important to take note of the upward trend in “at-risk” inventories as supply-side challenges begin to resolve and inventories continue to build.
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 February:
- The index for imports continues in expansion territory with a reading of 69 in February 2022, significantly higher than the February 2021 reading of 52.
- The craft index at 51 matches last February’s reading of 51.
- The premium lights index posted a reading of 46, above the February 2021 reading of 38.
- The premium regular segment index at 32 is only slightly higher than the February 2021 reading of 27.
- The below premium segment at 30 dropped slightly below the February 2021 reading of 32.
- The FMB/seltzer took another big hit, falling to 34 in February 2022 from the February 2021 reading of 95.
- Finally, the cider segment remains below 50 with a reading of 33, similar to the reading of 33 in February 2021.
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.