• January 28, 2008

The Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) is reporting that in 2007 distilled spirits grew for the eighth straight year, with sales up 5.6% and totaling $18.2 billion and volume rising 2.4%, to 181.5 million cases, "as consumers continued their fascination with cocktails and high-end products."

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