Control States Spirits Volume Fell 1.2%, Sales Dropped 3.9% in April: NABCA

Control States spirits sales declined in April compared to March, with 9L volume down -1.2% and sales down -3.9%, resulting in a -2.7% price mix, National Alcoholic Beverage Control Association reports.

Performance was influenced by four less selling days overall with one less selling day in Montgomery County, MD, five less selling days in Michigan, and two additional selling days in Utah. On a rolling 12-month basis, spirits remain negative down -1.3% in 9L volume and down -3.2% in sales yielding a -1.9% price mix.

 From a category perspective, cocktails (driven by Canned RTDs) and Tequila continued to show improvement. Cachaca and Neutral Grain Spirit also showed improvement, albeit on a smaller base. All other major categories declined. Notably Scotch was down -9.8% in 9L volume due to less promotional activity by New Hampshire that contributed to a +20.7% 9L volume surge in March.

Wine sales declined in April, with 9L volume down -4.1% and sales declining -3.8%, resulting in a +0.3% price mix. Utah's two additional selling days have impacted this. On a rolling 12-month basis, wine trends show a moderate decline, with 9L volume at -4.6%, sales at -3.2%, and price mix remaining flat at +1.4%.

On‑Premise channel spirits sales are mixed, with 9L volume increasing +0.6% and sales declining -1.7% resulting in a -2.3% price mix. Only 6 of the 14 reporting states recorded declines. Rolling 12‑month on‑premise results also continue to be mixed, with 9L volume up modestly +0.2% and $Vol down -1.8%, resulting in a -2.0% price mix.

On‑Premise channel wine sales remain negative; however, 9L volume improved to -3.8% and $Vol modestly increased +0.1%, generating a +3.9% price mix. On a rolling 12‑month basis, on‑premise wine finished down -3.8% in 9L volume and -2.8% in $Vol yielding a +1.0% price mix.