MIAMI, FL – Park Street Imports has teamed with the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and the International Wine and Spirits Research group (IWSR) to develop and release the Craft Spirits Data Project for a second year. The project, developed last year, analyzes market data and current industry trends to better understand the burgeoning liquor sector and provide new venture brands with the tools to make informed market decisions. With the support and collaboration of the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and data partners including Nielsen, the project evaluates cross-sectional data from consumers, producers, distributors, and retailers to shed light on key industry developments.
The U.S. craft spirits industry is increasing exponentially in both volume and value. For purposes of this research, U.S. craft spirits are defined as distilled spirits manufactured in the U.S. by licensed producers that have not removed more than 750,000 proof gallons (or 394,317 9L cases) from bond, market themselves as craft, are not openly controlled by a large supplier, and have no proven violation of the ACSA Code of Ethics. In the past year, the number of active craft distillers in the U.S. grew by 20.8% to 1,589 in August 2017. Exports of U.S. craft spirits have also increased, peaking at 566,000 cases in 2016, adding more than 8.8% of additional volume to U.S. craft distillers’ total sales. Exports grew by 8.2% versus last year. Additional progress can be noted in the employment and investment sectors.
Park Street will be updating and releasing the Craft Spirits Data Project annually and hopes that their findings and services will continue to provide an in-depth look at the evolution of the spirits industry and aid the progression of the craft market.
To receive a copy of this year’s Craft Spirits Data Project please email: info@parkstreet.com
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY
This program aims to create a deeper understanding of the U.S. craft spirits landscape among four key groups: consumers, DSPs, distributors, and retailers. In addition to analyzing craft spirits brand perceptions and consumption drivers at the consumer level, the study collects data on craft distiller production size and patterns, sources and amounts of revenue, and the category’s overall economic impact within the spirits industry. The Project also collects data on craft spirits business size, patterns and outlook on the distributor level and assesses craft spirits business size and outlook by premise type at retail. The Project provides findings on craft supplier best practices and success factors.
U.S. Craft spirits – as defined for the purposes of the research – are distilled spirits that are produced in the U.S. by producers that have not more than 750,000 proof gallons (or 394,317 9-liter cases) removed from bond on an annual basis and market themselves as craft and have no proven violation of the ACSA code of ethics. The ACSA code of ethics states: “We operate in an honest, transparent and non-deceptive fashion. We inform consumers truthfully and accurately about the sources and methods used to make our spirits through our labels, materials, and communications. We expect fair dealing and respect amongst members. We obey all federal, state, and local laws.”
When estimating the number of producers behind the U.S. craft spirits production, the project team relied on a combination of official data released by regulatory authorities, survey data, other industry data sources both national (e.g., NABCA, TTB) and regional (e.g., Guilds), as well as interviews and team assessments using the craft distiller definition.
ABOUT ACSA
The American Craft Spirits Association is the only registered non-profit trade association representing the U.S. craft spirits industry. Its mission is to elevate and advocate for the community of craft spirits producers, and membership in ACSA is open to anyone.
ACSA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the eligible voting members of the Association. Voting members must be independent, licensed distillers (DSPs) annually removing fewer than 750,000 proof gallons from bond (the amount on which a federal excise tax is paid.)
ABOUT THE IWSR
The IWSR is the leading source of data and analysis on the beverage alcohol market. It is the longest running research company specializing exclusively in global alcoholic drinks. The IWSR’s comprehensive database quantifies the global and local market of wine, spirits, beer, cider and prepared cocktails by volume and value, and provides insight into short- and long-term trends. The IWSR’s methodology is unique. It is the only research company to annually visit distributors, importers, producers, retailers and duty-free operators in each market. This allows IWSR to better understand market dynamics, real consumption figures, and to explain why certain trends occur. The IWSR conducts face-to-face interviews with 1,500 companies in 120 countries each year, with further input from 350 companies. The IWSR provides more detail on more brands, across more countries than any other source. The IWSR produces several special reports each year; for more details, please visit: www.theiwsr.com
ABOUT PARK STREET
Park Street delivers productivity-enhancing and cost-saving back-office solutions, advisory services, and working capital to more than 3,000 alcoholic beverage brands from the U.S. and around the world. Established in 2003, the company provides a fast and reliable conduit to the U.S. and E.U. markets and a cost-effective operating platform. Park Street works with suppliers at all stages of growth and its clients range from entrepreneurial craft distillers to multi-brand global portfolios.
The firm’s major practice areas are 1) Back-Office Solutions, including regulatory compliance, logistics, national importing, distribution, warehousing, order-fulfillment, accounting, customer service, and more; 2) Advisory Services, including business building, route-to-market planning, organizational effectiveness, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, negotiation support, and more; 3) Working Capital Solutions, including accounts receivable financing (factoring), revolving credit facilities, term loans secured by accounts receivables and other assets, guarantees, and letters of credit. With its extensive expertise in the alcoholic beverage sector, Park Street provides clients comprehensive, turn-key solutions across its practices areas, all within the context of exceptional professional service delivery. www.parkstreet.com.