American Whiskey Propels Distilled Spirits Consumption to 18th Straight Year of Growth
NORWALK, Conn., Aug. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers are expanding their spirits purchases as the economy stabilizes - experimenting with new products, trading up and crossing categories. Both on- and off-premise sales rose in 2014 compared to 2013, reflecting a rise in disposable income and increased consumer confidence.
Whiskeys continue their recent upward trend, while other categories have fallen out of favor and are struggling to achieve growth. According to the Beverage Information Group's recently released Liquor Handbook 2015, distilled spirits achieved its 18th consecutive year of volume growth, up 1.5% and reaching 211.8 million 9-liter cases in 2014.
The whiskey renaissance shows no signs of slowing down. American whiskeys are trendy and sales continue to rise, as Millennial consumers demand authentic products with heritage and history. Straight whiskey increased by 6.4% to 18.8 million 9-liter cases. Blended whiskey, which has been trending flat over the years, also increased slightly. Irish whiskey, the smallest of all the distilled spirits categories, is also the fastest-growing. It followed up 11 years of double-digit growth with a healthy 7.8% increase last year.
Whiskeys weren't the only categories to grow in 2014. Vodka increased by 1.0% to 72.0 million 9-liter cases in 2014, marking the category's 19th consecutive year of gains. Tequila continued its five-year rise of over 5%, while Brandy and Cognac climbed 3.5% to 11.1 million 9-liter cases. Cordials and Liqueurs were basically flat, but import Fireball continued its streak of triple-digit growth and finished 2014 at 3.9 million 9-liter cases.
Canadian whiskey, Scotch whiskey, Gin, Rum and Prepared Cocktails saw overall declines.
About the 2015 Liquor Handbook
The 2015 Liquor Handbook is the most comprehensive source of information on U.S. spirits industry sales trends. It includes consumption data and projected sales by category and by market, as well as leading brands and historical information. To view sample pages click here. The 2015 Liquor Handbook is available for $945; the handbook with a CD is $1,545. Shipping and handling is $15 for U.S. orders or $25 for international orders. The 2015 Liquor Handbook can be purchased at www.bevinfostore.com or by calling Andrew Sims at (203) 855-8499 Ext. 212.
Contacts:
The Beverage Information & Insights Group
Andrew Sims, Sales & Marketing Manager
203-855-8499 Ext. 212
[email protected]
www.bevinfostore.com
Adam Rogers, Manager of Information Services
[email protected]
SOURCE Beverage Information & Insights Group
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