The overall beer category is off to a relatively good start, up 1.4% in volume YTD through Feb.24th versus same period last year in all off-premise channels according to IRI, a Chicago-based research firm (@iriworldwide). Strong pricing was also evident as dollar sales were up 4.1% for beer overall. The growth was driven by domestic super premiums which were up 17.9% volume. The craft category was up 2.1% in volume and 3.0% in dollars.
ABInBev was down 0.04% volume and MillerCoors down 1.02%.
In the craft category, IPA remains the strong number one selling style with a 35% market share.