Maine Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, Maine is certainly a popular state. Those who operate within the industry need to know everything there is to know about alcohol in the state of Maine. Wholesalers and distributors will certianly find the following information of vital importance as we cover industry standards, rules, consumption trends, and much more in The Pine Tree State.
Learn all the facts about the three-tier system in Maine, see which are the most popular alcoholic products and sales trends, popular brands, local beverage distributors, and more. Get an abundance of advice and guidance on entering the market from us here at Park Street.
Consumption Trends In Maine
Below you will find charts showcasing the Maine growth in consumption broken down by beer, wine, and spirits. The data is displayed over a five-year period. There’s been a +3.75% CAGR for the spirits category, 0.6% CAGR for the wine category, and 0.32% CAGR for the beer category over this particular 5-year period.
Maine Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Maine Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Maine Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
Maine Spirits Volume By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in Maine by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 124 | N/A |
| Canadian Whisky | 29 | N/A |
| Scotch Whisky | 24 | N/A |
| Irish Whiskey | 23 | N/A |
| Gin | 59 | N/A |
| Vodka | 391 | N/A |
| Rum | 179 | N/A |
| Tequila | 71 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 388 | N/A |
| Cocktails | 27 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Maine Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Wine trends in Maine by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 1,500 |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 155.7 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 14.6 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 12 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Maine Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Beer trends in Maine by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 2.6 | 85.1 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 2.1 | 67.6 |
| Super & Super Premium | 2.3 | 74.3 |
| Light | 6.1 | 198.1 |
| Popular | 0.5 | 15.1 |
| Imported | 1.5 | 48.2 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In Maine
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In Maine
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In Maine
- Coming Soon
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Maine
If you are not familiar with how the alcoholic beverage industry operates, everything is sold through what’s known as the three-tier system. Right in the middle of this system is the”middle tier.” The “middle tier” of the industry consists of wholesalers and importers, such as Park Street, which receive beverage products from suppliers and manufacturers. The middle tier then sells the beverages to distributors who move them further down the tiers to retailers and ultimately, consumers. This three-tier system is required for all alcohol sales in the United States.
Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of Maine. Need more info on all the distributors throughout the United States of America? Check out the full list of distributors or fill out the contact form provided.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
Coming Soon
Beer Distributors
Coming Soon
Self-Pitch Distribution Model
Distribution is by far one of the hardest problems that brands run into today. Finding a suitable distributor is not an easy task today.
There are hundreds of brands, and much less distribution businesses to work with.
Many clients choose to utilize Park Street’s self-pitch distribution model.
The self-pitch distribution model is comparable to the three-tier conventional distribution model in that goods is distributed to retailers, but the main distinction is that the supplier is in charge of sales and marketing.
Selling Alcohol In Maine
Looking for information on selling alcohol in Maine? If so, then the answers provided below are for you. Remember, laws may vary depending on your specific location, but here’s what you need to know. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, then please contact us.
FAQs on Maine Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Maine?
In Maine, alcohol is sold on Sundays from 5 AM to 1 AM.
What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol in Maine?
Licensed retailers can sell alcohol in Maine from 5 AM to 1 AM.
What are the alcohol laws in Maine?
Maine is a control state, meaning it manages the wholesale of spirits. Per Maine law, only people over 21 are allowed to purchase alcohol; however, minors can drink at home in the presence of their parents. Also, people over 18 can work in an establishment selling or serving alcohol.
The state has an open container law, so any opened container with alcohol must be transported in the car’s trunk or away from the driver’s and passengers’ direct reach. The BAC level for drivers in Maine is 0.08%, and anyone over 21 caught with this amount can get a 30-day license suspension and up to a $500 fine, and any subsequent offense implies harsher penalties. People under 21 must have 0% BAC. Maine also does not allow boating with BAC levels of 0.08% or higher.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Maine?
In Maine, Walmart, Target, and CVS can sell beer, wine, and liquor; things may vary at the municipal level.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Maine?
While Maine is a control state, grocery stores can sell beer, wine, and liquor.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in Maine?
Generally, gas stations in Maine can sell liquor, wine, and beer. Still, this depends on the gas station owners/operators.
What is the alcohol excise tax in Maine?
Maine charges the following alcohol excise tax:
- Beer Tax – $0.35/gallon; 7% on-premise sales tax
- Wine Tax – $0.60/gallon; Additional taxes over 15.5% ABV – sold at state stores; sparkling wine – $1.25/gallon; 7% on-premise sales tax
- Distilled Spirits Tax – State-Controlled
The Maine alcohol excise taxes are mandatory, added to theFederal alcohol excise taxes, which are as follows:
- Beer Federal Excise Tax – $18.00/31-gallon barrel, or $0.05 per 12-oz can
- Wine Federal Excise Tax – $1.07 to $3.4/gallon; $0.21 to $0.67/750ml bottle
- Distilled Spirits Federal Excise Tax – $13.5/proof gallon or $2.14/750ml 80-proof bottle (40% ABV).
Buying Alcohol In Maine – Hours, Locations & Taxes
Everything you need to know about buying alcohol in the state of Maine. These are the most frequently asked questions and the answers to them. Please reach out if you do not find the answers you are looking for.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Maine
Does Maine allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
You can have alcohol delivered to your home in Maine through third-party services like Drizly. However, the person ordering the alcohol must provide adequate identification proving they are over 21.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Maine?
You can buy wine, beer, or liquor at grocery stores, restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, brewpubs, and taprooms from 5 AM to 1 AM. Last call in Maine bars and restaurants is 1:15 AM.
Can you order alcohol to go in Maine?
You can order alcohol to go with your food order, provided it is still in its original package or is packed in a sealed container by the staff.
(Data Sources – maine.gov, wikipedia.org)
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