Beer sales are up. What can that inform us about the economy?

In February, the National Beer Wholesalers Association’s beer purchasers’ index showed an improve in total beer sales year more than year. Segments like sub-premium beers — consider Keystone and Pabst Blue Ribbon — as properly as seltzers saw upticks. Meanwhile, the craft segment suffered the biggest decline across the board.

“Craft beer on a complete we’ve observed an eight% reduce [in sales]. But we’ve observed basically a 7% improve in import and domestic, so a lot of cost-conscious shoppers are out there,” stated Jason Perkins, owner of Perk’s Beer and Beverage in Scarborough, Maine.

Because opening 4 years ago, Perkins has noticed that beer-only drinkers are far more prepared to broaden their horizons.

“Fifteen years ago, or even most likely much less than that, it is if you are a beer drinker, you are a beer drinker,” Perkins stated. “And that does not seriously exist any longer. With the younger persons coming by way of now, exactly where it is, you know, a standard evening could be a beer, seltzer and a cocktail or a beer, seltzer and a glass of wine.”

To listen to Perkins’ story, click the audio player above.

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