Spirits Stuck in the Middle

The spirits industry had a tough month in the four weeks to October 5, with dollar sales sliding -0.1% and volume down -0.3%, according to IRI retail data. The numbers are surprising since last month the category saw growth (albeit slowing growth). Category leader vodka still showed gains, with dollar value increasing 2.2% and volume up 3%. Second in command, tequila, grew 0.8% in value and 1.5% in volume. Whiskey also showed slight growth in dollar sales but declines in