Spirits Recover from Tough January

Dear Client: Spirits made a comeback in February after facing disappointing results in January at the off-premise. Sales grew 2.4% in the four-weeks to March 6, while volumes rose 1.9%, according to Nielsen scan data in food/drug/convenience/liquor stores. This is a huge victory after sales in January were flat and volumes were up slightly, 0.3%. February figures also exceeded the 52-week period to March 6, which further suggests spirits are gaining momentum. The average price per 750ml bottle rose $0.05