Beer Runs Into a Comp-crete Wall

Dear Client: The impact of last year’s pantry loading comps are apparent in the latest cut of Nielsen scans. Trends for the latest four weeks to March 20 in Nielsen’s all outlet scans are, for the most part, an absolute shell of YTD trends.  For instance, total beer volumes are up 4% YTD through March 20, but down 4% in the latest four weeks. Category dollars are up 8% YTD, and flat for the latest four weeks.  In fact, there