Retail Alcohol Sales Dip, But Remain At Robust Levels

Total alcohol dollar sales in Nielsen channels were down 20% in the week through March 20, as they lapped a year-earlier period in which consumers locked down and stocked up their pantries. Still, dollar sales remain 23% higher than they were in the same week in 2019. Compared with two years ago, off-premise spirits sales are up 39%, and wine and beer/FMB/cider are each up 18%.

Even compared with last year’s pantry-loading period, RTD cocktails (+134%), Cognac (+19%), and Tequila (+3.5%) showing increases, as are canned wines (+25%) and Tetra Paks (+2.7%). Sparkling wines (-0.9%) managed to hold roughly steady with last year in the week through March 20. Hard seltzer also held its ground in relation to last year, increasing 1%.—Daniel Marsteller

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