Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
Do you know everything there is to know about alcoholic beverages in The Pilgrim State? If not, then this guide is for you. Yes, Massachusetts is one of the most educated, developed, and wealthiest states in the USA, and they have some interesting rules regarding alcohol consumption.
Here at Park Street, we’ve compiled the data and brought you a detailed overview of the three-tier system, the alcohol trends, consumption levels, rules, and everything else you may need to start up an alcohol business in The Bay State. This information was compiled for brand owners and other individuals looking to learn about the local alcoholic beverage marketplace in Massachusetts. Keep reading to learn about the rules, regulations, and facts about consumption within the state.
Consumption Trends In Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts is certainly one that’s attractive to brand owners looking for market share today. With consumption growth on the rise, it’s only getting more attractive. For those interested in learning more about the consumption and sales trends, please see the growth in consumption broken down by spirits, wine, and beer. The data is displayed over a five-year period. There’s been a +1.64% CAGR for spirits, -0.48% CAGR for wine, and -0.93% CAGR for beer over this particular 5-year period.
–>
Massachusetts Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Massachusetts Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Massachusetts Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Massachusetts Spirits Volume By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in Massachusetts by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 407 | $123 |
| Canadian Whisky | 255 | $104 |
| Scotch Whisky | 326 | $184 |
| Irish Whiskey | 189 | N/A |
| Gin | 241 | $106 |
| Vodka | 2,500 | $1,018 |
| Rum | 716 | $286 |
| Tequila | 289 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 879 | $335 |
| Cocktails | 266 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Massachusetts Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Wine trends in Massachusetts by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 12,500 |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 695.6 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 195 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 67.2 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Massachusetts Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Beer trends in Massachusetts by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 9.5 | 305.5 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 8.2 | 263.3 |
| Super & Super Premium | 6.4 | 206.1 |
| Light | 15.8 | 510.9 |
| Popular | 1.8 | 58.0 |
| Imported | 14.2 | 458.7 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Massachusetts
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Smirnoff
Fireball
Bacardi
New Amsterdam Vodka
Captain Morgan (excludes Parrot Bay)
Jameson
Svedka
Hennessy
Crown Royal
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Massachusetts
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Massachusetts
- Coming Soon
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Massachusetts
Alcohol sold in the United States is sold through what’s known as the three-tier system. This is a system which we’ve covered in depth here at Park Street. For those unfamiliar, the “middle tier” of the industry is made up of wholesalers and importers. These two types of businesses receive products from suppliers and manufacturers. They sell the products they receive to distributors who sell to retailers. Ultimately, the on-premise and off-premise retailers end up selling to the consumer. The three-tier system is a requirement for any and all alcohol sales in the United States.
Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of Massachusetts. Need more info on all the beverage distributors throughout the United States of America? 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 Massachusetts (A-Z)
Coming Soon
Self-Pitch Distribution Model
When it comes to brand building, development, and reach, distribution is perhaps the hardest thing to consider in the United States. That holds true especially in the state of Massachusetts.
There are hundreds of brands, but there are now fewer distribution businesses to select from in each area as a result of industry consolidation.
Using Park Street’s self-pitch distribution method is one of the more popular options that’s easily accessible to up-and-coming companies.
The self-pitch distribution model is very similar to the traditional three-tier distribution model in that goods is distributed to retailers, but the main distinction is that the supplier is in charge of sales and marketing.
Selling Alcohol In Massachusetts
In the state of Massachusetts, everything related to alcohol is controlled by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. They are in charge of every aspect of alcohol including production as well as selling and consumption.
Should you be looking for information on selling alcohol in the state, then please see below. Should you not find the information you’re looking for, please contact us.
FAQs on Massachusetts Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
When can retailers sell alcohol in Mass?
Retailers are allowed to sell alcohol in Massachusetts between the hours of 8 AM and 11 PM.
What is the alcohol excise tax in Massachusetts?
Wine
Still Wine:
$.55 per gallon
Sparkling Wine:
$0.70 per gallon
Beer/Malt:
$0.11 per gallon
Cider:
3% to 6% abv
$0.03 per gallon
Liquor:
$4.05 per gallon
<15% abv – $1.10 per gallon >50% alcohol – $4.05 per proof gallon
0.57% on private club sales
Does Massachusetts allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
Yes, they allow it for wine only.
Reminder: We add questions as they get asked, so please check back frequently.
Buying Alcohol In Massachusetts – Hours, Locations & Taxes
Learn all the most popular questions that consumers of alcoholic beverages have in the Bay State.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Massachusetts
Can you buy beer, wine, and liquor at grocery stores in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can purchase beer and wine at the grocery stores in MA, but not hard liquor.
Can you buy beer, wine, and liquor at gas stations in Massachusetts?
Yes, you can buy beer and wine at gas stations in Massachusetts.
Do on-premise locations sell alcohol on Sunday?
Yes, on-premise locations sell alcohol on Sundays.
(Data Sources – mass.gov, wikipedia.org)
At Park Street, we provide services to thousands of clients looking to expand their reach and improve their processes. If you’re looking to grow your brand and focus on marketing while we do the rest, then please reach out to us!
Looking For An Importer, Distributor or Back-Office Solution?
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.