The latest Be4er Purchasers Index from the National Beer Wholesalers Association paints a slightly optimistic picture. The April 2022 reading for total beer is 55 — anything above 50 is considered expansionary — and an “at risk” inventory reading of 47, which suggests improved turnover in distributors warehouses.
The index for imports and for premium lights both were in expansion territory, with imports showing a reading of 70, only slightly below the April 2021 level of 74. Premium lights, meanwhile, also showed expansionary volumes at 52. But that’s below the April 2021 reading of 69.
The picture isn’t so pretty for other major segments of the beer business:
- The craft index is at 48, significantly below the year-earlier reading of 64.
- Premium regulars come in at 38, significantly below the April 2021 reading of 56.
- Below premium is at 37, well below the year-earlier reading of 51.
- FMB/seltzer took a big hit, falling to 40 from the year-earlier reading of 90, and
- Cider came in at 33 compared to the April 2021 reading for 44.