There was a “huge improvement” in US spirits sales in April, according to the latest NABCA figures.
US spirits volumes rose 3.3% in April versus the corresponding period a year earlier to 4.9 million nine-litre cases. Dollar sales rose 2.9% to $1.07bn.
Over the 12-month period, volumes declined 0.8% to 61m nine-litre cases in the year to the end of April, according to figures released by the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA). Sales value ticked down 0.9% to $13.52bn, the association said.
The association conceded the timing of Easter and the number of selling days were “a significant factor” in April’s sales.
“Selling days were a significant factor in April’s growth. There were three additional selling days compared to the previous year, most notably Michigan,” NABCA said.
“Easter was in April this year versus March last year, providing additional sales growth.”
The NABCA data covers 18 control states, including off- and on-premise sales.
Investment bank TD Cowen estimates the NABCA numbers account for 20-25% of the US spirits market.
Robert Moskow, an analyst at TD Cowen, said: “Some may view these results as a sign of category stabilisation, but we believe this year's late Easter played a transitory role in the sequential improvement.”
