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

Iowa has changed its state rules when it comes to alcohol, and the state now promotes economic development through craft breweries and distilleries. Knowing the trends, state regulations, and laws is vital for any manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, and retailer looking to start operations in the Hawkeye State.

At Park Street, we work diligently to bring timely and accurate insight regarding consumption trends, local distributor details, and other important information for anyone looking to sell alcoholic beverages in Iowa. Also, you can contact our customer support, and we’ll provide you with a guide on all you need to start operations in Iowa.

Consumption Trends In Iowa

The state of Iowa is certainly an attractive state when it comes to cnsumption of all types of alcoholic beverages. The information displayed below showcases CAGR trends over the last five years. Please see below for a visual of each category i.e. spirits, wine, and beer.

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

Iowa Spirits Growth 2015-2020

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

Iowa Wine Volume Growth 2015-2020

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

Iowa Beer Volume Growth 2015-2020

Iowa Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

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

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 9-liter cases
Dollar Sales
Millions
Straight Whiskey 243 N/A
Canadian Whisky 355 N/A
Scotch Whisky 36 N/A
Irish Whiskey 30 N/A
Gin 62 N/A
Vodka 762 N/A
Rum 312 N/A
Tequila 121 N/A
Cordials/Liqueurs 563 N/A
Cocktails 142 N/A

Source: Beverage Information Group

Iowa Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

See below for the wine trends in Iowa by volume sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 9-liter cases
Table 1,500
Wine Coolers Unknown
Champagne & Sparkling 160
Dessert & Fortified 9.7
Vermouth & Aperitif 4.9

Source: Beverage Information Group

Iowa Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data

See below for the beer trends in Iowa by volume sales in 2020.

Category Volume Sales
Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases
Volume Sales barrels
Craft 2.0 63.7
FMBs & Hard Seltzer 1.7 54.6
Super & Super Premium 2.1 67.5
Light 17.8 575.3
Popular 2.3 73.8
Imported 1.3 43.1

 

The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Iowa

  • Coming Soon

The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Iowa

  • Coming Soon

The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Iowa

  • Coming Soon

Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Iowa

A three-tier system is used to sell all alcoholic beverages in the United States. Wholesalers or importers, who make up the “middle layer” of the sector, receive goods from producers and suppliers. They then sell them to distributors, who use internal teams to deliver them to retail locations like pubs, restaurants, liquor stores, and so forth. All sales of alcohol in the US must follow this three-tier scheme.

 

Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of Iowa. Need more info on all the alcohol distributors throughout the US? Check out the full list of distributors or fill out the contact form provided.

Wine & Spirits Distributors

Coming Soon

Beer Distributors

Coming Soon

More Distributors in Iowa (A-Z)

Coming Soon

See a full list of alcoholic beverage distributors here. 

Self-Pitch Distribution Model

Finding distribution isn’t easy today. So many brands are competing for market share and distribution within the United States today. For that reason alone, it’s important to check out every distribution model out there. That includes the self-pitch distribution model.

Using Park Street’s self-pitch distribution model is the perfect choice for many companies today.

The self-pitch distribution model is comparable to the three-tier conventional distribution model in that goods are distributed to retailers, but the main distinction is that the supplier is in charge of sales and marketing. Learn more about the Park Street Self-Dstribution model today.

Selling Alcohol In Iowa

In the state of Iowa, everything related to alcohol is controlled by the state, specifically The Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD). The state has operated as a control state since March 8, 1934. They have direct control over the wholesaling of any liquor and wine sales.

If you’re looking to sell alcoholic beverages in Iowa, then you need to know the laws. These laws may vary from county to county. If you’re looking for some of the more commonly asked questions related to the sale of alcohol in Iowa, then see below. If you don’t find the answers that you’re looking for, please contact us.

FAQs on Iowa Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Iowa?

No sales are permitted before 8 AM. All licensed establishments must hold a Sunday permit to sell on Sundays.

What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol?

In Iowa, alcohol can be purchased at on and off-premise locations between the hours of 6 AM and 2 AM every day.

What are the alcohol laws in Iowa?

Here are some of the most important alcohol laws in the state of Iowa…

You must be 21 years old to purchase and consume alcohol in the state of Iowa. Liquor can be served to individuals under the legal age provided it’s in a private home and under the supervision of a legal guardian. It must also be for educational or medicinal purposes only.

Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Iowa?

Yes, in Iowa they sell beer, wine, and liquor in grocery stores every day of the week.

Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in Iowa?

Gas stations are permitted to sell between the hours of 6 AM and 2 AM. The sales are permitted for off-premise consumption only.

What is the alcohol excise tax in Iowa?

Wine
$1.75 per gallon

Beer/Malt
$0.19 per gallon

Liquor
Iowa is one of 17 states where the government controls the sales, including fees, profits, etc generated from the sale of alcohol in Iowa.

Buying Alcohol In Iowa – Hours, Locations & Taxes

If you’re looking to learn all about the laws related to buying alcohol in Iowa, these are the common questions related to them.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Iowa

Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Iowa?

Yes, you can buy liquor in grocery stores in Iowa.

Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in Iowa?

Yes, you can buy liquor in gas stations in Iowa.

Does Iowa allow direct-to-consumer shipping?

Yes, they allow DTC shipping for wine only.

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

Alcohol can be sold between 6 AM and 2 AM Monday through Saturday and 8 AM to 2 AM on Sunday.

Can you order alcohol to go in Iowa?

Yes, according to Iowa.gov, holders of a class “C” or class “C” native distilled spirits liquor license can sell mixed drinks or cocktails to-go.

Where can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in Iowa?

You can buy alcohol in Iowa at on-premise locations such as restaurants and bars.

(Data Sources – abd.iowa.gov, wikipedia.org)

Park Street provides various services for alcoholic beverage brands looking to expand their reach and grow within the marketplace. Find out all the different types of services offered. Reach out today to learn more now!

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Find out why Park Street is a leading distributor and solution in the wine & spirits industry. Contact us to find out exactly what we can do for your brand.