NIQ: Bev Alc Trends Off to a Slow Start in Q2

Dear Client: As 2026 pushes onward, the team at NielsenIQ recently took a look at how off-premise trends shaped up in April. For the four weeks ended April 25, capturing most of the month, total beverage alcohol sales were down 3.3% versus a year ago, while volumes were down 3.6% year-over-year.  ALL MAJOR CHANNELS SEE DECLINES. At a broad level, all major retail channels "continued to mirror overall Total US softness, with pressure broadening this period," writes NIQ.  Liquor stores