U.S. Spirits Consumption Continues 14th Year Of Gains

NORWALK, Conn. (PRNewswire) — In 2011, the spirits industry had the best performance since the economic downturn began, according to The Beverage Information Group’s Liquor Handbook 2012.

Price-friendly products maintained their solid presence, and higher-end brands continued their climb back to pre-recession levels. These factors contributed to the spirits market expanding 3.4 percent in 2011.

Imports continued to outpace domestics, rising 5.0 percent to 81.5 million cases. There was a 2.3 percent gain for domestics, reaching 117.2 million cases for the year.