Press Release

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released the Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for October 2025.

The BPI reading of 24 follows similar results in September and August, reflecting continued uncertainty surrounding fourth quarter retailer and consumer demand.

The at-risk inventory measure rose above the benchmark (50) from 48 to 51. This combination of index readings signals a continued contractionary state.

Individual segment readings showed little deviation from the September index; other than Imports (+6) and FMB/Seltzer (-8), all measured within three points of last month’s readings.

Looking across the segments for October:

• The imports index at 43 is 14-points lower than October 2024 and six points higher than September 2025.
• The craft index at 14 is 11-points lower than October 2024 and two points lower than September 2025.
• The premium lights index at 33 is eight points lower than October 2024 and even with September 2025.
• The premium regular index at 34 is even with both October 2024 and with last month’s September 2025 reading.
• The below premium index at 40 is 14-points lower than October 2024 and three points lower than September 2025.
• The FMB/seltzer index at 35 is three points lower than October 2024 and eight points lower than September 2025.
• The cider segment at 36 is seven points higher than October 2024 and even with September 2025.

###

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.