North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
North Carolina has a vibrant alcohol industry. The Tar Heel State boasts a thriving craft beer scene, an expanding wine industry, and a burgeoning community of local distilleries. This diverse market caters to a broad spectrum of tastes, offering everything from locally-produced artisanal spirits to household name brands.
However, navigating this market comes with a unique set of laws. As a control state, the North Carolina liquor market operates under a strictly regulated system. At its core are the local ABC boards, which operate the state’s retail stores and serve as the exclusive sellers of packaged liquor for off-premises consumption. These boards, while independent entities, work closely with the North Carolina ABC Commission to enforce regulations, manage inventory, and implement statewide policies. This system creates a distinctive environment for both consumers and industry players, shaping the way North Carolinians experience and interact with their favorite spirits.
We’ve prepared a guide to the North Carolina market which covers the following topics:
- Consumption trends
- The most popular alcohol categories
- Local guidelines
If you need help establishing your presence in North Carolina, provide your information below, and we’ll contact you to share more on how we can help.
At Park Street, we can help anyone looking to enter the market or expand their services in North Carolina.
Consumption Trends In North Carolina
North Carolina stands as one of the largest control state markets in the United States, with a robust alcohol industry. In 2023, the state saw impressive sales of 7.6 million 9-liter cases of spirits. While beer and wine have experienced a marginal decline in recent years, they continue to dominate the market. Beer sales accounted for a substantial 77 million cases, while wine contributed 7.1 million cases to the state’s alcohol landscape.
North Carolina Spirits Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases
5.22% CAGR
North Carolina Wine Consumption from 2018-2022 by 9-Liter Cases
-1.17% CAGR
North Carolina Beer Consumption from 2018-2022 by 9-Liter Case
-1.62% CAGR
North Carolina State Alcohol Listings & Licensing
As of 2022, there were over 150 licensed distillers and bottlers, according to the TTB, more than 420 breweries with active licenses, and about 250 wineries in North Carolina.
In-State Permits
Distillery Permit – Under this one-size-fits-all all permit, the holder may do any of the following:
- Manufacture, purchase, import, possess and transport ingredients and equipment used in the distillation or production of spirituous liquor.
- Sell, deliver and ship spirituous liquor in closed containers at wholesale to exporters and local boards within the State, and, subject to the laws of other jurisdictions, at wholesale or retail to consumers in other states or nations, or private or public agencies or establishments of other states or nations.
- Transport into or out of the distillery the maximum amount of liquor allowed under federal law, if the transportation is related to the distilling process.
- Sell spirituous liquor distilled or produced at the distillery in closed containers to visitors who tour the distillery for consumption off the premises.
Commercial Transportation Spirituous Liquor Permit – allows commercial transport of spirituous liquor.
Out of State Permits
Non-Resident Spirituous Liquor Vendor Permit – The holder of a nonresident malt beverage vendor permit may sell, deliver, and ship malt beverages in this State only to wholesalers, importers, and bottlers licensed under this Chapter
North Carolina State Alcohol Regulations
North Carolina is a control state and sales are overseen by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, with sales exceeding $1.7 billion in 2022 and a population of 7.9 million legal drinking-age residents.
Products are exclusively sold through locally operated ABC Stores. Like some other states with ABC stores, North Carolina’s stores are closed on Sundays, requiring brands to plan their operations accordingly.
Shipping and Selling to Consumers
Direct Sales and Shipments of Beer and Spirits
Suppliers of spirits or malt beverages may not ship directly to consumers.
Direct Sales and Shipments of Wine
Wineries located in or outside of North Carolina holding a federal basic wine manufacturing permit may apply for a wine shipper permit. Wine shipper permittees may sell and ship no more than two cases of wine per month to any person in North Carolina to whom alcoholic beverages may be lawfully sold.
Delivery by Retailers
As of July 2024, restaurants now having the ability to premix cocktails and allow customers to take them to go. The drink must be less than 13% alcohol and be ordered with food.
Required Procedures for Alcohol Suppliers Selling in North Carolina
In North Carolina, special order and full listing submissions are handled in accordance with state law in a unique manner.
Special Orders
In North Carolina, brands can submit special orders without relying on distributor or retailer requests. This unique feature provides an opportunity for brands to introduce their products independently and potentially gain early market traction. Leveraging special orders can be an effective way to penetrate the North Carolina market swiftly.
Full Listings
Brands can opt for a full listing to establish a more comprehensive presence, but this process requires the involvement of a broker. The broker serves as the intermediary responsible for submitting listing requests and communications with the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Since there is no set listing meeting schedule, maintaining close collaboration with the broker is essential to meet submission deadlines and maximize the chances of securing a listing.
Requirements for Listing Submission
Before submitting a listing, beverage alcohol brands must fulfill specific requirements. Firstly, they need to establish a shipping point within North Carolina to ensure efficient distribution and meet market demands effectively. Additionally, accurate information regarding the broker’s name and company must be provided. In certain cases involving specific distributors, specifying the broker’s department or division may be necessary. Finally, brands must include high-quality JPEG shots of their bottle to accompany the listing submission, enhancing visual appeal and presentation.
With its substantial consumer base and strong sales figures among liquor control states, the North Carolina beverage alcohol market offers significant opportunities for brands. To succeed, it is crucial to navigate the state’s unique regulatory framework effectively. By understanding the entry paths, submission requirements, and the state-operated distribution model, beverage alcohol brands can establish a successful presence in North Carolina. Collaborating closely with local brokers, meeting submission deadlines, and implementing robust marketing strategies will contribute to a prosperous journey in this distinctive market.
Excise Tax Rates
Unfortified wine: $0.2634/liter
Fortified wine: $0.2934/liter
Liquor: 30% excise tax levied on liquor sold in ABC stores.
Malt Beverage: $0.6171/gallon
North Carolina Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2022/2023 Data
Spirit trends in North Carolina by volume and dollar sales in 2023.
| Category | Volume Sales 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 1,187 | N/A |
| Canadian Whisky | 391 | N/A |
| Scotch whisky | 144 | N/A |
| Irish whiskey | 98 | N/A |
| Gin | 258 | N/A |
| Vodka | 2,328 | N/A |
| Rum | 563 | N/A |
| Tequila | 1,070 | N/A |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 667 | N/A |
| Cocktails | 7,641 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
North Carolina Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2022 Data
Beer trends in North Carolina by volume sales in 2022
| Category | Volume Sales 9-liter cases |
Dollar Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Craft | 9,597 | N/A |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 6,183 | N/A |
| Super & Super Premium | 10,008 | N/A |
| Light | 34,385 | N/A |
| Popular | 3,330 | N/A |
| Imported | 9,615 | N/A |
Source: Beverage Information Group
North Carolina Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2022 Data
Wine trends in North Carolina by volume sales in 2022
| Category | Volume Sales Thousands, 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 6.4M |
| Wine Based RTD | 55,914 |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 137,852 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 563,253 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 3,907 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Coming Soon: Wine trends in North Carolina by volume and dollar sales in 2020.
The Top 10 Spirits Brands
In North Carolina
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka 750ml
- Patron Silver Tequila
- Tito’s (1.75L)
- Hennessy VS 750ml
- Jameson Whiskey
- Jack Daniel’s Black Label
- Casamigos Blanco Tequila
- Grey Goose Vodka
- Hennessy VS 375ml
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon
The Top 10 Table Wine Brands
In North Carolina
- Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
- Conundrum Red Blend 2020
- Treana Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
- Klinker Brick Brickmason 2018
- Matua Sauvignon Blanc 2021
- Tres Sabores 2020
- Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
- Francis Old Vines Zinfandel 2019
- Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot N.V.
- Frei Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon
The Top 10 Domestic Beer Brands
In North Carolina
- Coming Soon
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In North Carolina
In the United States, alcohol must be sold through what’s known as the three-tier system. This requires the sale of alcohol to flow through suppliers, wholesalers, and/or importers, as well as retailers, both on-premise and off-premise. This is important to know if you’re a supplier. We’ve covered this topic in great detail here on our site. For more information on this, please see below or reach out to us.
Looking for a list of alcohol distributors located in North Carolina? If so, then the lists below are what you’re looking for. You will find some of the most popular alcoholic beverage distributors located in NC below. We’ve categorized them as wine and spirits distributors as well as beer distributors.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at all the distributors operating within the United States, then check out the full list provided below. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, please reach out to our team for help and we’ll get back to you.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
Coming Soon
Beer Distributors
Coming Soon
More Distributors in North Carolina (A-Z)
Coming Soon
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 the product is delivered to retailers, but the key difference is that sales and marketing are handled by the supplier.
Park Street’s CEO Explains Self-Pitch Distribution
Selling Alcohol In North Carolina
The buying, selling, manufacturing, and consuming of alcohol have been regulated and controlled by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission since 1937. This includes transportation and possession of alcohol as well. All the enforcement of the state regulations is controlled by this commission.
If you’re looking to sell alcohol in NC, then you need to know and understand the regulations set forth by this board. Remaining compliant is of the utmost importance. This is why we’ve provided answers to many questions related to selling alcohol off-premise and on-premise. If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us by clicking here.
FAQs on North Carolina Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in North Carolina?
Walmart is a retailer that’s allowed to sell malt beverages for on and off-premise consumption. They are also allowed to sell unfortified wine both on and off-premise. Target is a retailer that’s allowed to sell malt beverages for both on-premise and off-premise consumption. It’s allowed to sell unfortified wine on and off-premise as well. CVS is categorized as a drugstore and it’s allowed to sell malt beverages and unfortified wine for off-premise consumption.
What are the alcohol laws in North Carolina?
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in North Carolina?
They sell beer and wine in grocery stores in NC. They do not sell liquor in grocery stores. Liquor is sold in state-run stores in North Carolina.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in gas stations in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, liquor is only sold at ABC Stores that are run by the state. However, beer and wine are both available for purchase at grocery stores and convenience stores.
What is the alcohol excise tax in North Carolina?
Wine
Unfortified Wine:
$0.2634 per liter
Fortified Wine:
$0.2934 per liter
Beer/Malt
$0.6171 per gallon
Liquor
In North Carolina, the sale of liquor is controlled by the government, including taxes, fees, markup pricing, and the profit derived from liquor sales.
Buying Alcohol In North Carolina – Hours, Locations & Taxes
North Carolina, is a state where the sale of some alcohol is restricted to state-run locations. Learn the rules and regulations when it comes to buying alcohol in the state. We cover laws on buying wine, beer, and spirits below as well as buying on-premise and off-premise.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in North Carolina
What is the alcohol tax in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a general sales tax of 4.75% that applies to all purchases of beer and wine. Spirits are subject to a sales tax rate of 7.00%.
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in North Carolina?
No, in North Carolina, liquor is only sold at ABC Stores. These stores are run by the state. You can purchase beer and wine at grocery stores and convenience stores where available.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in North Carolina?
Liquor and other spirits are only sold at ABC Stores which are run by the state. Beer is available for purchase at gas stations between the hours of 7 AM and 2 AM.
Can you buy alcohol on Sunday in North Carolina?
No. Alcohol is not sold on Sundays in NC. Consumers are able to purchase alcohol between Monday and Saturday during designated hours which must be between 7 AM and 2 AM. All ABC Stores in the state are closed on Sundays.
Does North Carolina Allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
North Carolina allows direct-to-consumer shipping for wine only. It is not permitted for spirits and beer.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in North Carolina?
The law states that the sale of alcohol can take place between Monday and Saturday 7 AM – 2 AM. On Sunday, certain types of alcohol can be purchased after 12 PM. However, ABC Stores, where liquor is sold is not open, so the sale of spirits is not available on Sunday. As for on-premise sales, business establishments that have an active on-premise license are able to sell alcohol after 12 PM and must stop serving at 2 AM. Please note, counties and cities are able to put their own regulations in place as well so this may vary from county to county.
Where in North Carolina can buy alcohol off-premise?
There are many different types of locations in NC where you can buy alcohol for off-premise consumption.
Malt – Restaurants, Hotels, Food Businesses, and Retail Businesses
Unfortified Wine – Any location that has an unfortified wine permit, authorizing the retail sale. The product must be sold in the manufacturer’s original container for consumption off the premises. This permit also authorizes the shipping of unfortified wine in closed containers to individuals inside and outside State lines.
Where can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in NC?
It depends on the type of alcohol being sold. Below you will find details listing out locations based on alcohol type.
Sale of Malt Beverage On-Premise – Restaurants, Hotels, Food Businesses, Retail Businesses, Private Bars, Private Clubs, Convention Centers, Community Theatres, Distillery, Sports and Entertainment Venue
Sale of Unfortified Wine On-Premise – Restaurants, Hotels, Private Bars, Private Clubs, Convention Centers, Cooking Schools, Community Theatres, Distillery, and Sports and Entertainment Venue
Sale of Fortified Wine On-Premise – Restaurants, Hotels, Private Bars, Private Clubs, Community Theatres, Wineries, Convention Centers, Distillery, and Sports and Entertainment Venue
(Data Sources – ncleg.gov, abc.nc.gov, portal.abc.nc.gov, wikipedia.org, ncleg.gov, ncleg.gov)
Here at Park Street, we connect suppliers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. We also provide various types of services, giving you the opportunity to remove the complexity, and allowing you to focus solely on growth and brand building while we do 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. )
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