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
As beer distributors across the country prepare for July 4th, America’s top beer drinking holiday, they reported the highest June ordering levels in three years.
The BPI’s total beer index of 58 marked the highest June reading since 2021, as well as the fourth straight month in expansion (>50) territory.
At-risk inventory measured at 42, reflecting a decrease in the amount of product in distributor facilities that is within one month of expiration date. Together, these readings indicate a positive outlook for the beer industry’s pivotal summer season.
Five out of seven measured segments saw equal or increased year-over-year ordering. Imports remained at the top with its sixth reading at 70 or above in the past 24 months — the only segment to reach that mark during that time period.
Looking across the segments for June:
- The index for imports continues to point to expanding volumes with a June 2024 reading of 70, two points higher than June 2023 reading of 68.
- The craft index at 27 for June 2024 continues to signal contraction in this segment and is eleven points lower than the June 2023 reading at 38.
- The premium lights index was flat at 52 for June 2024 with the same reading as June 2023.
- The premium regular index fell to 49 for June 2024, four points below the June 2023 reading at 53.
- The below premium segment for June 2024 at 54 is one point higher than June 2023 reading of 53.
- The FMB/seltzer reading for June 2024 at 38 is seven points higher than the June 2023 reading at 31.
- Finally, the cider segment posted an June 2024 reading at 31 compared to 28 for June 2023.
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!