NORWALK, Conn., April 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The beverage alcohol industry continued to grow in 2015, adding millions of cases sold thanks to new product introductions and targeted promotions. According to the Beverage Information Group's Handbook Advance 2016, beer, wine, and distilled spirits sales all rose in 2015, building upon decades of growth for the industry.
Distilled spirits grew by 2.0% in 2015, an increase of more than 4 million cases. Several categories achieved positive growth, but gin and rum declined by 1.8% and 1.5%, respectively. Last year marked the 19th consecutive year of growth for distilled spirits, which totaled 215 million nine-liter cases. The growth was driven by the resurgence in American Whiskey, which has more than doubled over the past decade to $1.56 billion in sales. Vodka maintained its overall distilled spirits share at 33.7%, but its growth was outpaced by tequila (4.4%) and several other categories.
Despite growing by 0.1% to 2.8 billion 2.25-gallon cases in 2015, beer's beverage alcohol market share decreased for the second straight year. Cider grew to 30.8 million 2.25-gallon cases in 2015, while flavored malt beverages increased 6.7% thanks to strong performances from top brands. Craft beer continues to mobilize the beer category, resulting in a 14.1% increase for the category to 276.5 million 2.25-gallon cases. Light beer (-3.6%), popular beer, malt liquor, and iced beer (-2.0%) all declined in 2015.
Wine kept pace with distilled spirits, growing 2.0% in 2015 to 332 million 9-liter cases. Vermouth/Aperitifs and table wine each saw a 1.7% growth. The consumer shift toward premium brands continued, as spending increased and shoppers cited wine as their go-to option for special occasions. Champagne and sparkling wines increased 8.6%, helped by the surging prosecco category.
About the 2016 Handbook Advance
The Handbook Advance provides the earliest and most complete data, statistics and analysis in the industry, reporting on beverage alcohol sales and consumption.
The Handbook Advance 2016 hard copy or PDF edition is $995; Handbook/PDF with CD is $1,595. Shipping is $15 for US orders,$25 for all other orders. They can be purchased at www.bevinfostore.com or by calling Andrew Sims at (203)-855-8499 Ext. 2251.
Contacts:
The Beverage Information Group
Andrew Sims, Sales & Marketing Manager
203-855-8499 Ext. 2251
asims@epgmediallc.com
Marina Velez, Sr. Product Manager/Data & Insights
203-855-8499 Ext. 2212
mvelez@epgmediallc.com
SOURCE Beverage Information Group
