US Beer Market Rebounds with January BPI Surge and Craft Trends Heating Up in 2026
US beer distributors report a strong rebound in January 2026, with the Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) surging to its highest level since July 2025.
NBWA BPI Hits Highest Mark Since July 2025
The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released its Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for January 2026, recording a 14-point jump from December and marking the highest reading since July 2025 (NBWA, 2026).
All segments except cider posted higher month-over-month readings. The below premium index reached 50, the first such reading in over a year, up 10 points from December but 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 climbed to 43, up 12 points from December but down three from January 2025, while cider hit 42, up 11 points year-over-year yet down two from December (NBWA, 2026).
The BPI acts as the sole forward-looking indicator for beer distributors, surveying purchases across segments against prior years; readings above 50 indicate expansion (NBWA, 2026).
Constellation Brands Stabilizes Beer Sales Amid Tariffs
Constellation Brands surpassed third-quarter forecasts, boosting shares 3% after a 37% drop in 2025 amid US beverage alcohol headwinds (The Drinks Business, 2026).
Beer sales declined just 1%, an improvement from a 7% drop in the summer quarter, despite President Trump’s 50% aluminum tariffs affecting 41% of Mexican beer packaging for brands like Modelo Especial and Corona (The Drinks Business, 2026).
Commodity beers including Pacifico, Victoria, Corona Sunbrew, and Corona Familiar posted upturns amid household budget strains (The Drinks Business, 2026).
Craft Beer Innovations and Style Guideline Updates
The Brewers Association introduced a new Rice Lager style and updated Belgian and German categories in its 2026 Beer Style Guidelines (Brewers Association, 2026).
Health-conscious trends drive demand for low-alcohol, non-alcoholic, and gluten-free craft beers as consumers prioritize healthier options (Stellar Market Research, 2026).
Breweries innovate with advanced fermentation and novel ingredients to enhance flavors, while brewery tours and tasting events build loyalty (Stellar Market Research, 2026).
In Europe, countries like Belgium, Germany, and the UK see growth through brewery events boosting tourism and engagement (Stellar Market Research, 2026).
Canada’s craft market expands with local ingredients, facing regulatory challenges alongside the US (Stellar Market Research, 2026).
Asia-Pacific craft beer is set for rapid growth due to shifting preferences, an expanding middle class, and government support (Stellar Market Research, 2026).
Supply Chain Pressures Hit Maritime Brewers
Maritime craft brewers express alarm over limited beer can supply, disrupting production amid ongoing supply chain issues (Maritime Fairtrade, 2026).
Women’s Collaboration Brew Day Returns
The International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (IWCBD) returns in 2026 to boost women’s roles in the beer sector (The Drinks Business, 2026).