The States Driving Rum Sales in the US: 2024’s Top Markets
Rum has kept a steady pace across the country, reinforcing its role as a major category in today’s spirits landscape. New data from the Beverage Information Group reveals how rum sales in the US break down by total volume, per capita consumption, and unexpected regional trends.
Florida and California still sit at the top, but the per capita rankings tell a much more nuanced story—one shaped by tourism, local drinking cultures, and regional traditions that go far beyond warm-weather assumptions.
Top Ten States Leading Rum Sales in the US
1. Florida: 2.6 Million Cases
Florida continues to dominate rum sales in the US, moving more than 2.6 million cases in 2024. The state’s tropical vibe, tourism-heavy economy, and coastal lifestyle naturally support strong demand. Florida also ranks seventh nationwide with 142 cases per 1,000 residents, showing that both population size and genuine consumer interest push the state to the top.
2. California: 2.0 Million Cases
California secures its long-standing second-place spot with nearly 2.0 million cases. However, its per capita numbers don’t make the national top ten, highlighting a gap between the state’s large population and individual consumption patterns.
3. New York: 1.5 Million Cases
New York claims third with 1.5 million cases. The state’s nightlife scene, multicultural demographics, and the influence of the New York City metro area keep demand strong and consistent.
4. New Jersey: 918,000 Cases
New Jersey takes fourth place with more than 918,000 cases. The state also ranks eighth nationally in per capita consumption at 129 cases per 1,000 residents, showing that regional preference—not just population size—drives its performance.
5. Texas: 883,000 Cases
Texas rounds out the top five with almost 883,000 cases. The total volume reflects the state’s massive population, but its per capita numbers suggest that individual preference plays a smaller role compared with other states in the top tier.
6. Illinois: 865,000 Cases
Illinois follows with just over 865,000 cases, much of it concentrated in Chicago and surrounding metropolitan areas. The state remains a dependable large-market presence among rum sales in the US.
7. Michigan: 835,000 Cases
Michigan shows strong loyalty to the rum category, reporting over 835,000 cases. As the leading control state market for rum, Michigan continues to anchor the Great Lakes region in this category.
8. Pennsylvania: 833,000 Cases
Pennsylvania contributed more than 833,000 cases in 2024, reinforcing its importance as another key control state market for rum. Its statewide system plays a major role in shaping regional distribution trends.
9. Wisconsin: 650,000 Cases
Wisconsin lands in ninth place with over 650,000 cases. The state also ranks fifth nationwide with 146 cases per 1,000 residents. This success reflects a vibrant Upper Midwest drinking culture where rum holds an unexpectedly strong position.
10. Minnesota: 638,000 Cases
Minnesota completes the top ten with more than 638,000 cases. The state stands out even more in per capita rankings—fourth in the country with 150 cases per 1,000 residents. Despite a cold climate, Minnesota shows exceptional enthusiasm for rum.
Per Capita Leaders Redefine Rum Sales in the US
When you focus on per capita consumption, a different set of states steps into the spotlight. Smaller Northern and Upper Midwest states lead the rankings, revealing patterns that challenge climate-based assumptions about rum.
- New Hampshire: 232 cases per 1,000 residents
- North Dakota: 178 cases per 1,000 residents
- Alaska: 165 cases per 1,000 residents
- Minnesota: 150 cases per 1,000 residents
- Wisconsin: 146 cases per 1,000 residents
- Maine: 144 cases per 1,000 residents
- Florida: 142 cases per 1,000 residents
- New Jersey: 129 cases per 1,000 residents
- Hawaii: 124 cases per 1,000 residents
- Iowa: 120 cases per 1,000 residents
These results show that rum sales in the US don’t simply align with tropical or coastal climates. Instead, tradition-driven drinking cultures in Northern and Midwestern states—especially New Hampshire, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin—carry major influence.
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Source of Information
Park Street Article — Top Ten States for Rum Sales, written by staff
The image of the article is courtesy of ©Oleksandra Polishchuk via Canva.com
