TTB Extends Exemptions for DSPs Producing Hand Sanitizer
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has extended its exemptions of certain Internal Revenue Code requirements from June 30, 2020, to December 31, 2020, in order to allow distilled spirits plants to continue facilitating hand sanitizer production....
Ready-to-Drink Category Uniquely Appeals Across Demographics
Before COVID-19, the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) category was on the rise driven by demand for convenience, innovative flavors, wellness products and cocktail culture, according to IWSR. Globally, the category accounts for about $10 billion in value with a strong presence in...
20% of Consumers Hit the On-Premise Last Weekend in States that Reopened
Over the past weekend, 21% of consumers surveyed in states that began to reopen went out to a restaurant or bar, and 10% ordered a drink, according to the latest Nielsen CGA report. Typically the report covers California, Florida, New York and Illinois, but the latest...
CDC Issues Guidance on Reopening for Bars, Restaurants and Workplaces
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance Thursday afternoon outlining a series of steps bars, restaurants, and workplaces should take to keep employees and customers safe as states begin to reopen. For starters, bars and restaurants...
Spirits Lead Category in Strongest Increase Since Peak Pantry Loading Period
For the week ending May 2, the alcohol category had its strongest performance since peak pantry-loading period in March, according to new Nielsen data. Total off-premise sales were up 32% for the week led by spirits (+38.6%), followed by wine (+35.8%), and then...
TTB Clarifies Trade Practice Enforcement During COVID-19
Given the circumstances of the alcohol industry under COVID-19, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has made clarifications to the application of the trade practice provisions from the Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act. The TTB will allow the...
Gallup: Consumers Spending Less But View Slowdown as Temporary
51% of US consumers are spending less than usual in the wake of COVID-19, according to a new Gallup poll. However, Gallup found that one difference between now and Great Recession, is that more people who are spending less think this is a temporary change in spending...
Nielsen Findings Suggest Ways to Rebalance Alcohol Sales
A Nielsen investigation found that the US alcohol market would need to sustain 22% volume growth across all categories sold off-premise in order to balance the impact of closed bars and restaurants due to COVID-19. Wine and spirits are currently outperforming the 22%...
FL Governor Considers Extending Carryout, Delivery of Spirits After Lockdown
Many Florida restaurants have proven that they can responsibly serve, as well as deliver, spirits to consumers directly amid COVID-19. Florida Governor Ron Desantis is considering the possibility of extending the temporary changes made to help restaurants survive. “I...