The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released the Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for February 2022. For the second month in 2022, the industry has reverted to pre-pandemic trends. The February 2022 BPI survey shows the total beer reading at 43 and “at-risk” inventory at 64, reminiscent of when inventories were too high, and order indexes were typically at or below 50. The February 2022 total beer reading of 43 stands out as one of the lowest over the past eight years. Following a solid comparative reading in 2021, expect 2022 index readings to show signs of weakness.
The dramatic drop in the FMB/seltzer BPI continues, falling to 34 in February 2022 from 95 in February 2021. Meanwhile, readings for premium lights, regular premium, below premium and ciders fell below 50 for the month. The craft segment managed to break above 50 to hit 51. The import segment was the only segment to report a significant expansionary index in February. The “at-risk” inventory measures at 64. This is another high mark since May 2020. It is important to take note of the upward trend in “at-risk” inventories as supply-side challenges begin to resolve and inventories continue to build.