U.S. spirits volumes slowed a bit to 3.25% in September, but are up 4.7% ytd according to UBS research. NABCA, or Control States, volumes show a similar decreasing trend with a 3.25% rise in September, down from 4.92% in August and 4.74% ytd. Nevertheless, UBS gives a positive outlook for U.S. spirits, “particularly on the trend of premiumisation.â€
Diageo continues to take volume share from the industry, up 4.68% in September and 7% ytd., with the help of Scotch, Canadian whiskey, gin, rum and cordials. Diageo’s latest Smirnoff price increase caused the drinks giant to lose some share in the vodka sector, gaining only 4.98% in volume as compared to category growth of 5.43%.
Pernod lost some volume share in September, reporting a 3% volume growth and 3.83% ytd, ranking behind the market. The company took some volume share in the gin, Scotch and vodka categories, but lost share in brandy/cognac, rum (2.27% vs. category 2.78%) and cordials.
Both Campari and Remy Cointreau gained volume share in September.
