US Beer Wholesaler Index Surges 14 Points in January 2026 as Constellation Stabilizes Amid Craft Low-ABV Trends
The **US beer market** displayed robust recovery signals in January 2026, with the **Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI)** reaching its highest level since July 2025, marking a 14-point increase from December (National Beer Wholesalers Association, January 2026, https://nbwa.org/press-release/january-bpi-sees-significant-bump-from-december/). All segments except cider recorded gains, reflecting distributor confidence in upcoming demand.
Constellation Brands Posts Strong Q3 Results
**Constellation Brands** exceeded third-quarter expectations, injecting optimism into a tough US beverage alcohol landscape. Beer sales declined by just 1%, an improvement over the prior 7% drop, despite pressures from President Trump’s 50% aluminum tariffs impacting 41% of its Mexican beer packaging (The Drinks Business, January 2026, https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/constellation-brands-beats-forecasts-as-beer-stabilises/).
Commodity brands like **Pacifico**, **Victoria**, **Corona Sunbrew**, and **Corona Familiar** saw upticks as consumers tightened budgets. CEO Bill Newlands highlighted **dollar and volume share gains** in tracked channels, while maintaining the full-year beer sales forecast at a 2-4% decline (The Drinks Business, January 2026, https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/constellation-brands-beats-forecasts-as-beer-stabilises/). Shares rose 3% post-earnings, signaling gradual recovery potential.
Craft Beer Shifts to Low-ABV and Lagers
Craft brewers are prioritizing **low- and no-ABV** options, driven by nearly half of Americans reducing alcohol intake in 2026 (Tastewise, 2026, https://tastewise.io/blog/craft-beer-trends). **Lagers and pilsners** are surging in popularity for their drinkability, with premiumization diversifying the category amid economic pressures (American Craft Beer, January 20, 2026, https://www.americancraftbeer.com/8-beer-industry-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2026/; Backbar Academy, 2026, https://academy.getbackbar.com/2026-beer-trends).
**Hyper-localization** gains traction as neighborhood breweries source regional ingredients like hops and fruits to boost local appeal (Tastewise, 2026, https://tastewise.io/blog/craft-beer-trends). Small hyper-local operations expand despite regional craft challenges, balancing community ties with value-focused offerings (Backbar Academy, 2026, https://academy.getbackbar.com/2026-beer-trends).
Global Craft Market Dynamics and Projections
The global **craft beer market**, valued at USD 134.60 billion in 2025, projects a 10.62% CAGR through 2032, fueled by health trends favoring low-alcohol, non-alcoholic, and gluten-free variants (Stellar Market Research, 2026, https://www.stellarmr.com/report/craft-beer-market/2409). Breweries innovate with advanced fermentation for complex flavors, while experiences like tours build loyalty.
Asia-Pacific leads growth via shifting preferences, an expanding middle class, and government support (Stellar Market Research, 2026, https://www.stellarmr.com/report/craft-beer-market/2409). In the US, **premium value** defines demand, with consumers favoring quality over quantity in a U-shaped curve—high-end crafts or affordable options (Backbar Academy, 2026, https://academy.getbackbar.com/2026-beer-trends).
HEINEKEN Finalizes Key Acquisition
**HEINEKEN** completed its acquisition of FIFCO’s beverage and retail businesses on January 31, 2026, strengthening its global footprint as the pioneering beer company (GlobeNewswire via Taiwan News, January 31, 2026, https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/6293485). This move aligns with consolidation trends amid competitive pressures.
Distributor Consolidation in the Northwest
Columbia Distributing acquired Point Blank Distributing on January 26, 2026, absorbing portfolios including pFriem, Von Ebert, Weihenstephan, and Bitburger (New School Beer, January 2026, https://newschoolbeer.com/home/2026/1/point-blank-acquisition-updates). Suppliers received statutory notices, with transition meetings planned to avoid brand disruptions.