Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers

The state of Indiana is very attractive to suppliers looking to gain exposure and market share. It may not be the top state in terms of consumption, but it’s attractive enough for emerging and established brands to want to win within the market. In this article, we cover just about everything you need to know about alcohol consumption in the state. We cover consumption facts, trends, laws, distributors, and more. Whether you’re a supplier, wholesaler, or distributor operating in Indiana, the information provided below may be of interest.

We kick things off here by covering specific product types and related consumption trends. These trends vary widely from product type to product type. Following that, we discussed topics such as buying and selling alcoholic beverages in Indiana. Then we provide insight into the most popular brands within each product type, local beverage distributor details, and lastly, some important information on the self-distribution model.

If you’re interested in entering the market and don’t know where to start, be sure to reach out to us by completing the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Consumption Trends In Indiana

Like most states, consumption of alcohol shifts and varies by product type. Indiana consumption is no different. We’ve seen changes on both sides with growth and reduction. For example, spirits have seen a CAGR of 1.58% over the last five years. Wine has seen much more stability with 0.06% growth. Beer consumption has seen a decline in CAGR of -1.45%. For a more detailed look, please view the charts located below.

Indiana Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

 

INDIANA SPIRITS

Indiana Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

 

Indiana Wine CAGR

Indiana Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases

 

Indiana Beer Consumption CAGR

Indiana Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

Spirit trends in Indiana by volume and dollar sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 9-liter cases
Dollar Sales
Millions
Straight Whiskey 588 N/A
Canadian Whisky 371 N/A
Scotch Whisky 97 N/A
Irish Whiskey 41 N/A
Gin 186 N/A
Vodka 1,200 N/A
Rum 425 N/A
Tequila 214 N/A
Cordials/Liqueurs 385 N/A
Cocktails 275 N/A

Source: Beverage Information Group

Indiana Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

Beer trends in Indiana by volume and dollar sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases
Volume Sales barrels
Craft 5.0 160.4
FMBs & Hard Seltzer 5.5 176.1
Super & Super Premium 5.5 178.5
Light 24.9 802.8
Popular 3.1 100.3
Imported 2.3 73.8

Source: Beverage Information Group
Coming Soon: Wine trends in Indiana by volume and dollar sales in 2020.

The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Indiana

  • Tito’s Handmade Vodka
  • Smirnoff
  • Jose Cuervo
  • Jim Beam Family
  • New Amsterdam Vodka
  • Bacardi
  • Crown Royal
  • Jack Daniel’s
  • Captain Morgan (excludes Parrot Bay)
  • Patron

The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Indiana

  • Coming Soon!

The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Indiana

  • Coming Soon!

Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Indiana

Indiana is subject to the same three-tier system that every other state throughout the United States is subject to.  Everything related to the sale of alcohol must take place within the three-tier system. This means that all suppliers and product manufacturers must sell to a company in the “middle tier.” Again, this impacts everyone and is industry-wide. “Middle tier” refers to wholesalers and/or importers within the industry. Once a manufacturer and/or supplier sell to a wholesaler or importer, that wholesaler or importer markets and sells the product to retailers. They sell them to off-premise retailers as well as on-premise retailers. The same rules apply regardless.

Details On How The Three-Tier System Works

Are you looking to get more insight into what distributors are most popular in Indiana? Looking to connect with them to try and build your brand? Below you will find a list of the top distributors operating within state lines. Additionally, if you are interested in getting more information related to the distribution of beer, wine, or distilled spirits in Indiana, then please reach out to us. Alternatively, feel free to fill out one of the forms located on page and we will contact you within one business day.

Wine & Spirits Distributors

More Coming Soon

Beer Distributors

More Coming Soon

More Distributors in Indiana (A-Z)

Full Indiana List Coming Soon!

Click here for a complete list of alcoholic beverage distributors. 

Self-Pitch Distribution Model

It can be a difficult challenge to find the right distributor when trying to build your brand in the United States. There are literally thousands of alcohol brands out there today and industry consolidation efforts have made it even more difficult for brands, both new and established. There are far fewer distributors today to choose from throughout the United States.

One of the options available today for emerging brands is to use Park Street’s self-pitch distribution model.

The self-pitch distribution model is very similar to the three-tier traditional distribution model where a product is delivered to a retailer, but the key difference is that the sales and marketing aspect of the process is all handled solely by the supplier.

Selling Alcohol In Indiana

The sale of any and all alcoholic beverages within the state of Indiana is monitored and controlled by the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission. They regulate all aspects including but not limited to the manufacturing, selling, possession, and use of alcohol as well as tobacco.

In order to be able to sell alcohol in the state of Indiana, you must obtain a license that permits you to do so. Whether you’re a wholesaler, retailer, or consumer, it’s important to understand the laws and regulations set by the state, county, and local law enforcement. Below you will find a section where we provide common questions and the answers to those questions. Should you have any other questions you need answers to, please feel free to reach out to the Park Street Team for answers. Click here to reach out to us via email.

We are continuously adding and updating answers to the questions below. Please check back frequently for more information. 

FAQs on Indiana Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

Do they sell alcohol in grocery stores in Indiana?

Yes, they do sell alcohol in grocery stores in Indiana.

What times do they sell alcohol in Indiana?

Alcohol is sold Saturday through Sunday between the hours of 7 AM and 3 AM.

What is the alcohol excise tax in Indiana?

The excise tax rate varies depending on the type of alcohol.

Wine

$0.47 per gallon

Beer/Malt

$0.115 per gallon

Liquor

$2.68 per gallon

<15% abv – $0.47 per gallon

Buying Alcohol In Indiana – Hours, Locations & Taxes

If you’re a consumer looking for information on when and where you can buy alcohol in Indiana, the answer is provided below. Learn all the most frequently asked questions related to buying beer, wine, and spirits in the state of Indiana.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Indiana

What is the alcohol tax in Indiana?

A sales tax rate of 7% applies to all alcohol purchases made in the state of Indiana.

Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in IN?

Yes, unlike most states, you can purchase beer, wine, and spirits in grocery stores in the state of Indiana.

Does Indiana allow direct-to-consumer shipping?

Yes, direct-to-consumer shipping is allowed for wine. DTC shipping is not permitted for beer or spirits.

What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Indiana?

You can purchase alcohol for off-premise consumption in Indiana between the hours of 7 AM and 3 AM, providing that county or local law doesn’t state otherwise.

(Data Sourcesin.gov, wikipedia.org)

Here at Park Street, we provide various services i.e. operations, compliance, and distribution, that allow you to focus on marketing and brand building. We handle everything else! If you’re interested in learning more about the services at Park Street Companies, then please feel free to complete the form below.

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