Spirits Surpass Beer’s US Market Supremacy For The First Time

Distilled spirits like gin, rum, and vodka are officially the US’ biggest alcoholic money-maker. According to Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) 2022 data, spirits supplier revenues registered a record-breaking 42.1% in the alcohol market, replacing beer as the nation’s go-to boozy beverage. 

While US sales for spirits totaled $37.58 billion last year, beer’s revenue shrunk to 41.9%, and wine stagnated at 16%. The milestone comes after spirits gained market share for the 13th year in a row. Key stats show liquor supplier sales were up to 5.1% in 2022, with premixed cocktails shooting up as the fastest-growing category. 

Tequila and whiskey also helped liquor take beer’s title, as more than 60% of the spirits’ total revenue was from high-end bourbon and super-premium tequila. American whiskey sales were up to 10.5%, while tequila registered a 17.2% increase.

Although vodka was the most bought liquor, the alcoholic beverage’s sales were flat at $7.2 billion.

According to DISCUS’ CEO Chris Swonger, liquor’s supremacy is partly due to the thriving cocktail culture. 

“Despite the tough economy, consumers continued to enjoy premium spirits and fine cocktails in 2022.”

Swonger added that spirit sales have helped the US hospitality sector to bounce back from the COVID-19 effect. Further data shows that Gen Zers are more inclined towards liquor than their older counterparts. 

In a statement, Beer Institute’s CEO Brian Crawford insists that beer remains “America’s number one choice in beverage alcohol.” 

“It’s interesting to hear liquor companies boast about making money hand-over-fist while simultaneously going state-to-state hunting for more tax carveouts from state legislatures.”