The March National Beer Wholesalers Association's Beer Purchasers Index eased a bit, but NBWA said that was good news, signaled a continued shift towards a more predictable environment for the beer industry in 2023, NBWA said..

While the March BPI/ARI ratio of 50/51 represents a slight regression from February’s 54/46, a fully neutral (50/50) ratio can indicate more predictable ordering and inventory levels. Following several tumultuous and unpredictable years, a stable and balanced environment is welcome news for the beer industry.  Highlights:

• The index for imports points to expanding volumes with a reading of 62, five points lower than the March 2022 reading of 67.
• The craft index at 28 continues to signal segment contraction and is below the March 2022 reading of 47.
• The premium lights index posted a reading of 47 which is slightly lower than the March 2022 reading of 51.
• The premium regular segment index is at 37, which closely matches the March 2022 reading of 38.
• The below premium segment reading at 53 is well above the March 2022 reading of 41 and continues a trend into expanding (above 50) territory.
• The FMB/seltzer reading slide to 21 in March and which is significantly lower than the March 2022 reading of 42.
• Finally, the cider segment posted a March reading at 31 compared to 36 in March 2022.