Extra selling days gave a boost to US spirits sales in NABCA states in June but the association’s data showed the 12-month picture was less positive.
Across the states monitored by the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), there were six extra selling days in June, which contributed to higher value and volume sales last month, the association said.
However, rolling 12-month sales were down in value and volume terms in June, NABCA data showed.
The volume of spirits sold rose 4.8% in June versus the same month last year, reaching 5.3m nine-litre cases. Value sales increased 3.2% to $1.12bn.
NABCA represents the so-called “control states” in the US that directly control the distribution and sale of beverage alcohol within their borders.
Michigan had two extra selling days in June while four states – Alabama, Montana, North Carolina and Utah – had one each.
Most spirits categories saw sales grow either by volume, value or both. However, NABCA said the “brandy/Cognac” market, Canadian whisky, rum and Scotch all saw sales decline on both metrics.
Over the 12-month period to the end of June, overall US spirits volumes dipped 0.5% to 60.4m nine-litre cases. Value sales slid 2.5% to $13.08bn.
Cachaca and cocktails saw sales rise on both metrics in the period. Tequila volumes increased 1.6% to 7.2m nine-litre cases but sales fell 2.2% to $2.5bn.
