USA: Beer imports increased 6.5% in 2005, craft beers hiked by 9%

Sales in the U.S. beer industry sagged 0.4% last year to 2.826 billion cases, falling back to 2002 sales levels, PRNewswire released October 03. But all was not flat among brewers: imports continued to attract consumers and grew by a healthy 6.5%, and craft beers surged 9% in 2005, after a 7% boost in 2004.

"Beer consumption continues to lag behind the exceptional growth we're seeing in spirits and wine, but consumers do seem to be trading up to more expensive imports and crafts, which is good news for profitability," said Charles Forman, vice president, group publisher for the Adams Beverage Group.

Both distilled spirits and wine consumption continued their upward climb in 2005. Beer has not kept pace with spirits and wine consumption, which have benefited from new product launches, cocktail culture, glamorous advertising campaigns and increased availability.

Among imports, Mexican beers lead the way: 10 Mexican beers grew a minimum of 4.5% each, with Corona, the leading imported beer, now the sixth best-selling overall in the United States, up 8.1%. Among craft beers, volume leaders Yuengling grew 11%, Sam Adams up 2.2% and Sierra Nevada by 3.5%.

Light beers - the largest segment approaching more than a 50% share of market - climbed 1.7%. Notably, the collapse of the low-carb beer market - leader Michelob Ultra was down 22.4% - held back further growth.

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