CPI: Beer +3.6% Away From Home, +1% At Home in September

Beer price increases in bars and restaurants outpaced overall inflation in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) latest Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Beer prices away from home grew 3.6% year-over-year (YoY) in September, tracking ahead of overall inflation last month (+3% YoY) and overall alcoholic beverage price growth (+2% YoY).

The percentage increase in beer pricing at on-premise retailers inched closer to pricing growth for food away from home at 3.7% YoY in September.

Beer price growth bars and restaurants lagged overall alcoholic beverage price increases in the on-premise, which are now up 4.1% YoY.

Spirits led price growth in on-premise retailers, increasing 4.1% YoY. Wine prices in bars and restaurants increased 2.9% YoY.

Alcoholic beverage price growth hit across the board month-over-month (MoM), increasing 0.3% MoM seasonally adjusted, with beer (+0.4%), wine (+0.1%) and spirits (+0.1%) all growing on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Meanwhile, at-home beer price growth lagged overall inflation, with prices up 1% YoY and 0.2% MoM.

Last month, alcoholic beverage prices for beer, wine and spirits at home increased 0.3% YoY. Spirits led the way in price growth (+1.8% YoY), followed by beer (+1%) while wine prices at home declined (-1.2%).

Year-to-date (YTD) through October 5, the average case price of beer in off-premise retailers increased $0.51, to $31.05, in Circana-tracked total U.S. + multioutlet + convenience stores.

The average case price for beer in convenience stores is up $0.70, to $33.23, YTD, outpacing price growth in grocery stores, which are up $0.36, to $30.28.

The average case price across nearly all beer category segments, with the exception of non-alcoholic beer, is up YTD in Circana’s MULO+C: