The FMB/seltzer Beer Purchasers Index (BPI) reading continued falling to an unprecedented 31 from 87 in November 2020. Meanwhile, imports and premium lights are the only segments in solid expansion territory this month, according to the National Beer Wholesalers Association‘s Beer Purchasers Index. The “at-risk” inventory measures are still below 50 for all the segments except FMB/seltzer, signaling continued supply constraints in the system.
NBWA said it expected to report an upward trend in the monthly readings as supply-side challenges resolve over time. But it added it expects ndustry numbers will continue to behave erratically over the next few months as shipments, depletions and sales to consumer measures remain out of sync.
Looking across the segments for November:
- The index for imports continued into expansion territory for a reading of 68 in November 2021, about the same reading as November 2020.
- The craft index fell below 50 for a third month, with a reading of 47 compared to a reading of 55 in November 2020.
- The premium lights index posted a reading of 54, indicating continued expansion, yet the number is still below the November 2020 reading of 70.
- The regular domestic beer segment index is at 38, which is now significantly below the November 2020 reading of 58, yet is still in expansion territory.
- The below premium segment at 29, took another hit year-over-year from the November 2020 reading of 49.
- The FMB/seltzer took another big hit, falling over 50 points to 31 in November 2021 from 87 in November 2020.
- Finally, the cider segment remains well below 50 with a reading of 32 in November 2021 compared to 34 in November 2020.
Index readings over 50 signal expansion, under 50, contraction.