Craft Whiskey Distillers Navigate The Headwinds

Craft whiskey has been among the most dynamic segments in the spirits industry over the long term, but these days small-scale whiskey makers are struggling. Small distillers are seeing declining sales, rising operating costs, and increased difficulties in accessing new markets and customers. Continue reading →

Control State Spirits Volume Slips 2.7% In First Quarter

After a 0.9% decline in 2024, spirits volumes declined a further 2.7% in control states during the first quarter of this year, according to NABCA. The largest control state, Pennsylvania, bucked the trend with a 2% increase during the first three months of 2025. As has been the norm recently, Tequila (+3.4%) and prepackaged cocktails (+29.4%) were the only two categories to register an increase year-to-date.

Sazerac Co, remains the leading supplier in control states, and it became number-one overall in the U.S. spirits market in volume terms for the first time late in 2024, according to Impact Databank, after acquiring Svedka vodka from Constellation Brands late last year. Tito’s vodka remains the largest-selling spirit in control states by a two-to-one margin over Smirnoff vodka and Fireball whisky year-to-date. —Juan Banaag

U.S. Spirits Exports Rise In 2024, Outlook Uncertain Amid Tariff Battle

U.S. spirits exports totaled $2.4 billion in 2024, up nearly 10% compared to 2023, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS). Continue reading →

News Briefs for April 25, 2025

• RTD and spirits brand White Claw has launched ClawTails, a new line of cocktail-inspired malt-based seltzers. Continue reading →

Bitters And Aperitifs Gaining Ground In The U.S.

With American consumers increasingly exploring more complex taste profiles, the bitters and aperitifs segment has shown significant advances lately. Continue reading →

News Briefs for April 24, 2025

•Spirit of Gallo’s VMC Tequila Cocktails has added a new tamarind-flavored drink to its portfolio. Continue reading →