Surprisingly, Beer Sales Are Down Since The Pandemic

Since the coronavirus pandemic has started, we have all seen the memes and social media post from our friends of how drinking has been up, and according to a data analysis from Ibotta, there are parts of this that are true.

The really surprising part of the analysis is that beer sales are down 2% overall, with a few execptions: Flavored malt beverage is up 37.4 %, non-alcoholic beer is up 15.9% and craft import beer is down 17%. From craft beer becoming so popular lately, it is surpsing to see that craft import beer is actually down 17%. I'd assume different.

Spirts and hard liquor sales are up 33% overall, liqueur up 75%, brandy up 43%, tequila up 40%, whiskey: up 39%, vodka up 26%, gin up 14% and rum is up 14%. Wine sales are also up across the country at 12% overall including flavored wine sales moving up 73%.

I know that I have tried differrent spirits this year, but I never would have thought that beer sales were down. Apparently folks were looking to make a switch, just like myself. Yet, with many resturants and bars being forced to move to takeout only I thought all sales would be up.

Also, who knew that brandy and flavored wines were so popular? Apparently I need to start paying close attention to what is being sold in the liquor store when making my trips there.