But Imported Beer Gains, Led by Mexican Brews

Some 3.7 million barrels of beer were imported in May, up 5.2% from May 2022.  

Mexican imported beer "was nearly the sole driver of growth for the imported beer segment this month, up approximately 350K barrels (+11.9%) compared to May of last year," the Beer Institute said.  In recent months Mexican beer has been up one month, down the next.  But now it seems to have stabilized.

Danelle Kosmal, Beer Institute economist, said a view of rolling 12-month time periods provides a more accurate view of Mexican imported growth, which is up 2% for 12 months through May 2023 compared to the 12 months prior.

This growth definitely lags last year's pace, she said.  But it is a stronger performance than most competing bev/al segments.  For instance, the spirits category saw depletions shrink 0.8%.  Exclude spirits-based canned cocktails, and spirits depletions were down 3.7%, according to SipSource data,