Overview
- New Nielsen data show U.S. beer, malt beverage, and cider volumes fell 6.3% in the latest four-week period.
- Convenience and gas-station retailers saw volumes drop about 9% as fewer drivers stop for quick buys.
- California posted the steepest U.S. decline at about 16%, with Arizona and Texas also down as higher pump prices weigh on shoppers.
- In Canada, Statistics Canada reports February retail alcohol sales fell 3.4% year over year, and per‑capita alcohol volume slid to 6.8 litres in 2024 from 8.3 litres in 2020.
- Non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits are posting double‑digit growth, while industry groups warn of job losses and press for tax relief.