Prepared Cocktails was the only bev/al category to show growth in the lastest four-week period, ended March 21, with dollar sales up +4.5%, while case volume fell slightly -0.3%. Nielsen IQ reports..

Spirits remained the top decliner, with dollar sales down -6.1%, consistent with declines seen in the prior L4W period (w/e March 14th). Volume was down -4.8%.

Wine once again followed in losses, with dollar sales falling -5.1% and volume down -5.9%, mostly consistent with performance shown in the prior period.•Beer sustained its resilient position among traditional categories, as dollar sales fell by -1.3% and volume fell -3.0% Latest trends underscore the ever-present search for positive territory in Spirits and Wine, as Beer leads the charge among core categories.

Prepared Cocktails remain in position for sharper gains, driven by the broad category support of warm weather occasions, and evolving consumer preferences.

Regional performance reflected Total U.S. softness, with each major state market experiencing declines. Ohio was the most stable, with dollar sales slightly down -0.7%, while New York faced the largest declines at -8.0%.•Volume trends were varied across the top ten states. California (+1.5%) achieved volume growth despite its lagging sales performance (-1.0%), while New York saw the sharpest drop at ‑7.5%.Performance across these major markets continually point to broad category challenges,

•Broad underperformance was seen in most major retail channels. Liquor led value losses at -4.7%, followed by Club at -2.6%. Food fell by -2.1%, Convenience -1.2%, and All Others were down -5.4%. In contrast, Mass experienced slight growth +0.4%.