Spirits in US show signs of resilience in April
Despite suffering a year-on-year decline, spirits in the US showed an improved performance in April, according to the latest SipSource data report.
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) released its SipSource April 2025 Data report, which revealed a 1.8% decline in volume and a 0.9% decline in revenue for spirits in the US.
However these declines were ‘milder’ than previous trends. WSWA called it a ‘welcome change in momentum’ for the spirits industry and said the smaller declines and stabilising trends could also be a turning point.
In the next few months, WSWA said shipping days will play a key role in results, with June having an additional shipping day.
The second quarter (Q2) of 2025 has the same number of shipping days as Q2 in 2024, which WSWA said means the playing field is level for year-on-year comparisons.
May had one fewer shipping day this year in contrast to 2024.
While this brings optimism, WSWA expects there will still be a while before ‘meaningful’ recovery can take place.
It added that point-of-distribution (POD) trends showed slight improvement, but remained in negative territory.
Other developments to watch that could affect results include the ongoing tariff threats and trade tensions. These are prompting forward-buying in categories popular with US consumers, such as cordials and liqueurs, as well as Scotch and Irish whiskey. Canada’s removal of US products from its shelves could also impact supplier inventory levels.
WSWA has predicted US spirits will face a ‘challenging’ 2025. It also warned that consumers are not trading up but trending away from alcohol consumption.
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