About the Beer Purchasers’ Index
By: Lester Jones, NBWA Vice President, Analytics and Chief Economist
The NBWA Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) is an informal monthly statistical release giving distributors a timely and reliable indicator of industry beer purchasing activity. BPI is the only forward-looking indicator for the industry to measure expected beer demand (one month forward) in the marketplace. Similar to the widely recognized Purchasing Managers’ Index, the BPI is a net-rising index and a leading indicator of industry performance based on survey responses from participating beer purchasers. The index surveys beer distributors’ purchases across different segments and compares them to that of previous years’ purchases. A reading greater than 50 indicates the segment is expanding, while a reading below 50 indicates the segment is contracting.
The Latest Data
The BPI reading of 50 marked the first result at or above the benchmark (50) in 20 months. Every segment recorded YoY gains for the first time since April 2024, led by expansionary readings for Imports, Below Premium and FMB/Seltzer.
The combination of index readings for at-risk inventory (43) and BPI (50) positions the industry for potential expansion heading into spring.
Additional findings from this month’s survey of expected distributor demand:
- The first time three segments recorded expansionary readings since July 2024
- The highest FMB/Seltzer reading (53) — and the first above 50 — since August 2021
Looking across the segments for March:
- The imports index at 54 is eight points higher than March 2025 and 12-points higher than February 2026.
- The craft index at 23 is three points higher than March 2025 and four points higher than February 2026.
- The premium lights index at 46 is six points higher than March 2025 and one point higher than February 2026.
- The premium regular index at 44 is nine points higher than March 2025 and nine points higher than February 2026.
- The below premium index at 52 is seven points higher than March 2025 and even with February 2026.
- The FMB/seltzer index at 53 is 13-points higher than March 2025 and 17-points higher than February 2026.
- The cider index at 39 is seven points higher than March 2025 and three points higher than February 2026.
Beer Distributors
Please sign up to participate and receive the first and only advance notice of expectations for increasing or decreasing sales. Complete the form below using your company’s primary beer purchaser’s contact information. For additional information, please email bpi@nbwa.org.
Beer Distributor Expectations Sign Up
Sign up to participate and receive the first and only advance notice of expectations for increasing or decreasing sales!