The beer category showcased a mixed bag of results as the industry saw prices increase and case sales decrease. Consumer preferences seemed to change compared to last year as some domestic below-premium brands saw sales decrease, while imported beers saw high points from a few particular brands.
Domestic beer sales remained relatively flat accounting for more than $18.4 billion in U.S. supermarkets, drug stores, gas and convenience stores and mass merchandise outlets, excluding Wal-Mart, for the 52 weeks ending May 15, according to SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago. Although sales remained unchanged, case sales declined 2.6 percent in measured channels during the same time period. The category saw $0.40 increase in the average price per case.