New Hampshire Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
Here we’ll talk about the New Hampshire rules, state guidelines, local taxes, and much more. For example, did you know that liquor is only sold in state-run stores? It is vital for anyone looking to expand their supplier, wholesale, or retail business in the Granite State. But below, you will also find essential information about beer, wine, and spirits consumption trends, tax info, and the most popular brands and distributors in New Hampshire. To help anyone looking to enter the local New Hampshire alcoholic beverage market, we offer invaluable advice and guidance, which is accessible via our contact form below.
Consumption Trends In New Hampshire
Please see below for the 5-year consumption trends in the state of New Hamsphire.
New Hampshire Spirits Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
New Hampshire Wine Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
New Hampshire Beer Consumption from 2015-2020 by 9-Liter Cases
New Hampshire Spirits Volume By Category – 2020 Data
Spirit trends in New Hampshire by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales Millions |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 258 | N/A |
| Canadian Whisky | 122 | N/A |
| Scotch Whisky | 107 | N/A |
| Irish Whiskey | 64 | N/A |
| Gin | 128 | N/A |
| Vodka | 738 | N/A |
| Rum | 313 | N/A |
| Tequila | 143 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 467 | N/A |
| Cocktails | 67 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
New Hampshire Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Wine trends in New Hampshire by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 2.8 million |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 151,000 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 67,500 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 21,000 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
New Hampshire Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2020 Data
Beer trends in New Hampshire by volume sales in 2020
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 2.25 Gallon Cases |
Volume Sales barrels |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 3.2 | 101.9 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 3.8 | 121.9 |
| Super & Super Premium | 2.9 | 94.6 |
| Light | 7.5 | 242.0 |
| Popular | 1.0 | 31.6 |
| Imported | 3.1 | 100.7 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In New Hampshire
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In New Hampshire
- Coming Soon
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In New Hampshire
- Coming Soon
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In New Hampshire
The United States operates under a strict three-tier system when it comes to selling alcohol. The “middle tier” of the industry consists of wholesalers or importers. These businesses receive products from the lower-tier, which consists of suppliers and manufacturers. They then sell the products to distributors, who sell them to retailers. The retailers then sell to consumers. All sales must take place within the the three-tier system in the United States.
Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of New Hampshire. Need more info on the many distributors of alcohol throughout the US? 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
In the environment that we operate in today, it can be difficult to find distributors willing to sell your brand.
As you may or may not know, there are hundreds, even thousands of brands and far fewer distribution businesses to move your product through the tiers.
To reduce complication and increase the chances of getting distribution, many use Park Street’s self-pitch distribution approach..
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 New Hamshire
In the state of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire State Alcohol Beverage Commission is responsible for controlling all alcohol-related activities, including selling, licensing, producing, and more. It is important to note that all alcohol is controlled by this bureau in the state.
If you are interested in learning more about liquor laws in New Hampshire, you can visit NH.gov to view everything. It is crucial to understand the regulations if you plan to sell alcoholic beverages in the state.
FAQs on New Hampshire Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in New Hampshire?
Alcohol can be sold on Sundays in New Hampshire, and all retailers and state-run liquor stores are free to sell alcohol on Sundays.
What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol?
On-premise sales are from 6 AM to 1 AM, and off-premise alcohol sales are from 6 AM to 11.45 PM.
What are the alcohol laws in New Hampshire?
People in New Hampshire must be over 21 to purchase alcohol. The state has no special provision allowing younger people to consume alcohol, but they can work in an alcohol-serving business at 17.
New Hampshire has an open container law, meaning any bottle of alcohol that has been previously opened must be transported into the vehicle’s trunk. The legal BAC limit for adult drivers in New Hampshire is 0.08%, and any driver with this BAC is considered “per se intoxicated” and can be charged with a DUI. Any driver under 21 will be charged with a DUI if their BAC is 0.02%. A first offense will get you a license suspension for nine months to two years and a fine of $500. Also, the offender must complete an impaired driver intervention program to reinstate the driver’s license. Any subsequent offense involves harsher penalties. The state also prohibits boating while intoxicated; the same 0.08% BAC limit is in action here.
The state limits the household beer or wine production to 100 gallons per year (200 gallons if you do a shared production).
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in New Hampshire?
Yes, Walmart, Target, and CVS can sell wine and beer between the prescribed hours of 6 AM to 11.45 PM.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in New Hampshire?
Grocery stores in New Hampshire can sell wine and beer; the ABV is capped at 14%. Distilled spirits are only sold at state-run liquor stores.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in New Hampshire?
Gas stations can sell wine, and beer capped at 14% ABV, while they are not allowed to sell distilled spirits.
What is the alcohol excise tax in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire charges the following alcohol excise tax:
- Beer Tax – $0.30/gallon
- Wine Tax – No tax
- Distilled Spirits Tax – State-controlled sale of spirits does not require an additional excise tax
The New Hampshire alcohol excise taxes are mandatory, added to the Federal 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 New Hampshire – Hours, Locations & Taxes
Looking to buy alcohol i.e. wine, spirits, or beer in the state of New Hampshire? If so, then give this section a read to ensure that you fully understand what the rules and regulations are today.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in New Hampshire
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in New Hampshire?
Only wine and beer capped at 14% ABV can be sold at grocery stores in New Hampshire; distilled spirits can only be sold at state-run liquor stores.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in New Hampshire?
You can buy wine and beer with less than 14% ABV in gas stations in New Hampshire; distilled spirits can only be sold at state-run liquor stores.
Does New Hampshire Allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
New Hampshire allows the DTC sale of wine and beer. The seller must have a DTC permit, and the consumer must provide an adequate ID proving they are over 21. The consumer limit is 12 cases per consumer per year or 60 containers per person per year.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire allows the off-premise sale of alcohol from 6 AM to 11.45 PM daily; the on-premise sale of alcohol is from 6 AM to 1 AM daily.
Can you order alcohol to go in New Hampshire?
People in New Hampshire can order only beer and wine with their food order. Still, the beverages must be in unopened containers, and the rule does not cover hard spirits and mixed drinks.
Where in New Hampshire can buy alcohol off-premise?
The off-premise sale of alcohol (beer and wine) in New Hampshire is from 6 AM to 11.45 PM in various retail stores like grocery stores, convenience stores, package stores, and gas stations. Distilled spirits are sold only in state-run liquor stores.
Where can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in New Hampshire?
The on-premise sale of alcohol in New Hampshire is from 6 AM to 1 AM in bars, restaurants, clubs, pubs, and hotels.
At Park Street, we provide services to thousands of clients looking to expand their reach and improve their processes. Services provided include but are not limited to accounting & finance, compliance issues, logistics, and more. If you’re looking to grow your brand and focus on marketing while we do the rest, then please reach out to us!
Data Source – nh.gov
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