Distributor orders increased for the fifth consecutive month in the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s (NBWA) July Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI). The BPI posted a reading of 59, the highest index since 2021.
As a refresher, an index over 50 denotes expansion, below 50 indicates contraction.
Inventory “at-risk” of going out of code posted an index of 44, the ninth consecutive month of readings below 50 – a positive indicator of industry purchasing patterns.
Diving into the segments:
- Imports (73) posted the highest reading in July 2024, three points higher than in July 2023;
- Below premium recorded an index of 62, a 23-point increase and its “highest reading since May 2020”;
- Premium lights also crossed the 60 threshold with a reading of 63, only the second time the segment topped 60 since 2021;
- Premium regular (58) gained eight points compared to July 2023;
- Craft beer remained in contraction with an index of 30, nine points behind its July 2023 reading;
- FMB/seltzer (39) and cider (36) joined craft in contraction, although both increased their standing compared to July 2023. FMB/seltzer gained nine points while cider gained four.