The council also reported that despite a weakening economy, the growth would continue for a ninth year in 2008--forecasting sales growth of 4.6% to $19 billion, with volume expected to rise 1.9% to 185 million cases.
In presenting his industry data and forecast, DISCUS chief economist David Ozgo noted that spirits and wine increased market share in 2007, while beer lost share for the sixth year in a row. He attributed the 2007 growth to the following factors: continued premiumization; more consumers switching to spirits over beer; price increases and population growth.
--Nina M. Lentini
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