Daily Beer Press Review: January BPI Jumps 14 Points as US Distributors Signal Demand Uptick
The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released its Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for January 2026, marking the highest reading since July 2025 with a **14-point jump from December** (NBWA, 2026).
All segments except cider showed higher month-over-month readings. The **below premium index hit 50**, the first such reading in over a year and 10 points above December, though six points below January 2025 (NBWA, 2026). Premium regular stood at 38, seven points lower year-over-year but 14 points up from last month (NBWA, 2026). FMB/seltzer reached 43, up 12 points from December but down three from January 2025, while cider was at 42, up 11 points year-over-year yet down two from December (NBWA, 2026).
The BPI serves as the sole forward-looking indicator for beer distributors, surveying purchases across segments against prior years; readings above 50 signal expansion (NBWA, 2026).
Constellation Brands Posts Strong Q3 as Beer Sales Stabilize
Constellation Brands exceeded third-quarter forecasts, lifting shares 3% after a 37% drop in 2025, amid US beverage alcohol challenges (The Drinks Business, 2026).
**Beer sales fell just 1%**, an improvement from a 7% summer quarter drop, despite President Trump’s 50% aluminum tariffs impacting 41% of Mexican beer packaging for brands like Modelo Especial and Corona (The Drinks Business, 2026). Commodity beers such as Pacifico, Victoria, Corona Sunbrew, and Corona Familiar saw upturns amid household budget pressures (The Drinks Business, 2026).
CEO Bill Newlands noted beer delivered dollar and volume share gains in tracked channels, with annual EPS forecast at $9.72-$10.02 and organic beer sales decline of 2-4% through February (The Drinks Business, 2026).
Craft Beer Eyes Health-Driven Growth and Tech Innovations
The global craft beer market, valued at **USD 134.60 billion in 2025**, projects a **10.62% CAGR from 2026-2032**, fueled by health trends like low/no-alcohol and gluten-free options (Stellar Market Research, 2026).
Breweries innovate with advanced fermentation and novel ingredients for complex flavors, while brewery tours build loyalty; Asia-Pacific growth stems from consumer shifts, middle-class expansion, and government support (Stellar Market Research, 2026).
United Breweries Targets 3-6% Cost Savings Amid India Challenges
United Breweries launches a cost-reset program aiming for **3-6% annual savings**, including Mangalore plant closure and new partnerships, as India grapples with high taxes, price controls, and input costs despite volume growth (Economic Times, 2026).
Women’s Collaboration Brew Day Returns for 2026 Sector Boost
The International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) returns in 2026 to elevate women’s presence in beer (The Drinks Business, 2026).
Brewers Association Updates 2026 Style Guidelines
New **Rice Lager** style added, with updates to Belgian and German categories in the 2026 Beer Style Guidelines (Brewers Association, 2026).