ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today, the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released the Beer Purchasers' Index (BPI) for October 2021. The October 2021 reading continues to reflect the recent trends that resemble the industry pre-pandemic, where a mid-50's reading was typical for this time of year. However, the component segments of the index continue to show very different trends. Most importantly, the FMB/seltzer BPI reading took yet another dramatic hit, falling to an unprecedented 42 in October 2021 from 92 in October 2020. Imports and premium lights both reported expansionary (50+) readings this month.
The “at-risk" inventory measures for October across most segments remain below 50, signaling continued supply constraints in the industry. The exceptions are the FMB/seltzer (59) and craft (51) segments, which are experiencing expanding "at-risk" inventories heading into November.
About NBWA's Beer Purchasers' Index: BPI is the only forward-looking indicator for distributors to measure expected beer demand. The index surveys beer distributors’ purchases across different segments and compares them to previous years. A reading greater than 50 indicates the segment is expanding, while a reading below 50 indicates the segment is contracting.
Looking across the segments for October:
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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents America’s 3,000 independent beer distributors who service every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Licensed at the federal and state levels, beer distributors get bottles, cans, cases and kegs from a brewer or importer to stores, restaurants and other licensed retail accounts through a transparent and accountable regulatory system. Distributors build brands of all sizes – from familiar domestic beers to new startup labels and imports from around the world – and generate enormous consumer choice while supporting more than 140,000 quality jobs in their home communities. Beer distributors work locally to keep communities safe by sponsoring programs to promote responsible consumption, combat drunk driving and reduce underage drinking.