NBWA - National Beer Wholesalers Association Inc.

03/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/25/2026 16:09

March BPI Improves Across All Segments

Press Release Mar 25, 2026

March BPI Improves Across All Segments

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) released the Beer Purchasers' Index (BPI) for March 2026.

The BPI reading of 50 marked the first result at or above the benchmark (50) in 20 months. Every segment recorded YoY gains for the first time since April 2024, led by expansionary readings for Imports, Below Premium and FMB/Seltzer.

The combination of index readings for at-risk inventory (43) and BPI (50) positions the industry for potential expansion heading into spring.

Additional findings from this month's survey of expected distributor demand:

  • The first time three segments recorded expansionary readings since July 2024
  • The highest FMB/Seltzer reading (53) - and the first above 50 - since August 2021

Looking across the segments for March:

  • The imports index at 54 is eight points higher than March 2025 and 12-points higher than February 2026.
  • The craft index at 23 is three points higher than March 2025 and four points higher than February 2026.
  • The premium lights index at 46 is six points higher than March 2025 and one point higher than February 2026.
  • The premium regular index at 44 is nine points higher than March 2025 and nine points higher than February 2026.
  • The below premium index at 52 is seven points higher than March 2025 and even with February 2026.
  • The FMB/seltzer index at 53 is 13-points higher than March 2025 and 17-points higher than February 2026.
  • The cider index at 39 is seven points higher than March 2025 and three points higher than February 2026.

About NBWA's Beer Purchasers' Index: BPI is the only forward-looking indicator for distributors to measure expected beer demand. The index surveys beer distributors' purchases across different segments and compares them to previous years. A reading greater than 50 indicates the segment is expanding, while a reading below 50 indicates the segment is contracting.

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The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) represents America's 3,000 independent beer distributors who service every state, congressional district and media market across the country. Licensed at the federal and state levels, beer distributors get bottles, cans, cases and kegs from a brewer or importer to stores, restaurants and other licensed retail accounts through a transparent and accountable regulatory system.

Distributors build brands of all sizes - from familiar domestic beers to new startup labels and imports from around the world - and generate enormous consumer choice while supporting more than 135,000 quality jobs in their home communities. Beer distributors work locally to keep communities safe by sponsoring programs to promote responsible consumption, combat drunk driving and reduce underage drinking.

NBWA - National Beer Wholesalers Association Inc. published this content on March 25, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 25, 2026 at 22:09 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]