Control States Results Rebounded in September: NABCA

Control state results rebounded in September, aided by the timing of the Labor Day holiday, which fell in September this year compared with August in the prior year, National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association reports.

Michigan was the only state with fewer selling days than last year, with one less day, but still posted modest growth. Montana, Alabama, and North Carolina each reported double-digit gains.

Spirits sales improved considerably in September, with 9L volume increasing 3.2% and salesl rising 1.4%, resulting in a negative 1.8% price mix. Despite the monthly improvement, rolling 12-month results remained negative, with 9 liter volume down 0.6% and sales down 2.7%, producing a -2.1% price mix.

Category performance was mixed. Cocktails, led by canned ready-to-drink (RTD) products, continued to be the strongest growth driver, with 9 liter volume increasing 28.6% and sales rising 23.1%. Cachaca, Cordials, and Tequila also posted gains, while all other major categories declined during the month.

Wine trends improved from August but remained negative in September. 9-liter volume declined 2.9% and sales decreased 0.7%, resulting in a positive 2.2% price mix. Rolling 12-month wine results continued to show softness, with 9 liter volume down 4.2%
and sales decreasing 2.2%, producing a positive 2% price mix.

The on-premise spirits channel also improved in September, with 9L volume increasing 5% and sales rising 2%. Rolling 12-month performance remained mixed, however, with 9-liter volume up 0.5% and sales down 1.8%, resulting in a negative 2.3% price mix.

On-premise wine showed stronger dollar performance despite continued volume pressure. Nine liter volume declined 1.3%, while sales increased 5.6%, generating a positive 6.9% price
mix. Longer-term trends remained challenging, with rolling 12-month 9-liter volume down 4.1% and salesl decreasing 1.8%, resulting in a positive 2.3% price mix.