Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
Delaware, nicknamed The First State, has a population of 1.003 million people and although it’s not the most heavily populated state, it’s certainly one that’s attractive to alcohol producers, suppliers, and manufacturers today. If you’re interested in learning the consumption trends and all the laws related to manufacturing, buying, and selling of distilled spirits, wine, and beer, then check out the guide below.
You will quickly leran that various aspects of things are covered, including a basic overview of the three-tier system, self-pitch distribution, consumer growth, the sale of alcohol and more. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact us here at Park Street and we’ll help answer any questions you might have. But first, learn all about every aspect of alcohol in Delaware today.
If you’re looking to grow your business, then you’ll want to learn about the distribution services that we provide. Please complete the form above to learn more about our services.Consumption Trends In Delaware
Delaware is an attactive market for all brand owners and consumption has changed year over year. If interested, you’ll quickly find the some facts below related to consumption over a period of 5-years. You’ll notice a change of 1.04% CAGR in spirits over the years. Additionally, you’ll find the 0.87% CAGR for the wine category and lastly, you’ll find a -0.04% drop in CAGR over a five year period from 2015 – 2020.
Delaware Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Delaware Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Delaware Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Delaware Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in Delaware by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 94 | N/A |
| Canadian Whisky | 77 | N/A |
| Scotch whisky | 42 | N/A |
| Irish whiskey | 24 | N/A |
| Gin | 58 | N/A |
| Vodka | 382 | N/A |
| Rum | 110 | N/A |
| Tequila | 51 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 104 | N/A |
| Cocktails | 46 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Delaware Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
See below for the wine trends in Delaware by volume sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales
Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 1,400 |
| Wine Coolers | Unknown |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 60.8 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 30.7 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 4.6 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Delaware Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
See below for the beer trends in Delaware by volume sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 1.1 | 35.1 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 0.9 | 28.3 |
| Super & Super Premium | 1.1 | 35.1 |
| Light | 3.3 | 105.6 |
| Popular | 0.4 | 13.4 |
| Imported | 2.2 | 70.7 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Delaware
All alcohol sold in North America must move through the three-tier system, which means that suppliers and manufacturers sell their product to the “middle tier” of the industry, which consists of wholesalers or importers. The wholesalers and importers then market and sell the product to distributors, who then sell it to retailers not limited to but including to businesses such as bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and so on.
Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of Delaware. If you’re looking for more information related to each of the individual distributors, feel free to visit the distributor listings. Should you not find what you’re looking for below, please reach out to us and we’ll gladly help you find the distributor you’re looking to connect with.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
Coming Soon
Beer Distributors
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More Distributors in Delaware (A-Z)
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Self-Pitch Distribution Model
Finding the right distributor is often cited as one of the most difficult challenges to building a brand in the U.S.
There are thousands of brands and industry consolidation has led to fewer distribution companies to choose from in each market.
As such, one option available to emerging brands is to use Park Street’s self-pitch distribution model.
The self-pitch distribution model is similar to the three-tier traditional distribution model where product is delivered
to retailers, but the key difference is that sales and marketing is handled by the supplier.
Selling Alcohol In Delaware
In the state of Delaware, the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC) controls every aspect of alcohol including but not limited to manufacturing, licensing, selling, consumption, producing, distributing, importing and more. If you’re looking to sell alcohol in the state of Delaware, then you need to know the state and county laws. Below you will find a list of the most commonly asked questions related to selling within the state. Should you have any additional selling-related questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
FAQs on Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Delaware?
In Delaware, alcohol sales are permitted to occur between the hours of 12 PM and 8 PM.
What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol?
It varies depending on the type of retailer. Off-premise i.e. retail stores are allowed to sell Monday-Saturday 9 MA – 1 AM and on Sundays 12 PM – 6 PM. As for on-premise retailers, they are allowed to sell Monday-Sunday 9 AM – 1 AM.
What are some state-specific alcohol laws in Delaware?
Licensed establishments are not allowed to offer 2-for-1 drinks. Sales are also prohibited during national elections and statewide elections.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Delaware?
Yes and no. Walmart does not sell alcohol. Both Target and CVS do sell alcohol in the state.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Delaware?
No, they do not.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in Delaware?
No, they do not.
What is the alcohol excise tax in Delaware?
Wine
$0.97 per gallon
Beer/Malt
$0.26 per gallon
Cider
$.27 per gallon
Liquor
$4.50 per gallon
25% or less abv – $3.00 per gallon
Buying Alcohol In Delaware – Hours, Locations & Taxes
Below you will find all the most frequently asked questions related to buying alcohol in the state of Delaware. Should you have any further questions, please reach out and we’ll answer them for you.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Delaware
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Delaware?
No, the sale of alcohol is not permitted in any grocery stores in Delaware.
Does Delaware allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
No, they do not allow any DTC of any kind.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Delaware?
The times vary depending on the day of the week. Monday to Saturday you can purchase between 9 AM and 1 AM. On Sunday you can purchase between 12 PM and 8 PM.
Can you order alcohol to go in Delaware?
Yes, you can order alcohol to go as long as the container is sealed. However, there is a limit with regard to the amount that can be purchased. Sales are limited to one single 750ml wine bottle, six beers, and mixed cocktails only.
Where in Delaware can buy alcohol off-premise?
You can only purchase alcohol for off-premise consumption at a liquor store.
Here at Park Street we connect wholesalers with distributors and provide many types of services that allow you to focus on building your brand while we handle the rest! If you’re interested in learning more about our services, please feel free to complete the form below and a member of our client development team will be in touch within 24 hours.
(Data Sources: delcode.delaware.gov, oabcc.delaware.gov, wikipedia.org)
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