U.S. Spirits Consumption Continues 13th Year of Growth; Consumers Slowly Return to On-Premise

NORWALK, Conn., July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Beverage Information Group's recently released 2011 Liquor Handbook, total spirits consumption rose 1.9% in 2010 to 192.1 million 9-liter cases.  This marks the 13th straight year spirits consumption has gained ground.

Although on-premise growth returned to positive territory in 2010, recovery is slower than anticipated.  With continued high unemployment and rising fuel costs, consumers' disposable income is being squeezed, leading people to dine out less.  The "trading up" trend that drove consumption prior to the failing economy also has been tempered by these economic factors.  Consumers are now more frugal – instead of the ultra-premiums that once dominated the market, quality products at lower price points are driving consumption.

The economy's slight recovery helped imported products return to outperform domestics in 2010.  Total imported spirits offerings climbed 3.0% last year compared with 1.1% for domestics.  Imported products now account for 40.4% of all spirit consumed in the U.S., an increase from the 36.4% it held 10 years ago.

Distilled spirits consumption successfully made it through the recession's impact of the past few years, and is expected to continue on a positive path over the next five years.  Total spirits is expected to end the year up 1.8% to reach 195.6 million cases.  

"Consumer's willingness to experiment, quality products in every price tier, continuous marketing efforts and the ever-increasing popularity of cocktails are all factors that will lead to spirits' continued success," says Eric Schmidt, manager of information services for the Beverage Information Group, Norwalk, Conn.

The 2011 Liquor Handbook is one of the most comprehensive sources of information on U.S. spirits and sales trends.  It includes consumption and projection information by category and by market; tracks leading brands and reports historical data.

The 2011 Liquor Handbook is $895; handbook with CD is $1,065.  Shipping and handling is $10 for U.S. orders; $20 for international orders.  The publications can be purchased at www.beveragehandbooks.com or by calling Cynthia Porter at (630) 762-8709.

About the Beverage Information Group

The Beverage Information Group, a division of M2MEDIA360, serves all segments of the beverage alcohol industry through Cheers, Beverage Dynamics and StateWays magazines, Handbooks, Beverage Research and www.bevinfogroup.com.

Contacts:
The Beverage Information Group
Eric Schmidt, manager of information services
203-855-8499
[email protected]

Cynthia Porter, Sales
630-762-8709
[email protected]
www.beveragehandbooks.com

SOURCE Beverage Information Group