The Biggest Spirits in the US: Top Five Best-Selling Categories in 2024
The US spirits market experienced mixed results in 2024, with some categories growing while others declined. The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (Discus), in collaboration with IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, recently shared insights into the performance of the biggest spirits in the US by volume.
US Spirits Market Performance in 2024
In 2024, spirits supplier sales value dropped by 1.1% to $37.2 billion, reflecting a $424 million decline. However, volume sales increased by 1.1%, reaching 312.2 million nine-liter cases. Spirits maintained their lead in the alcoholic beverage market, holding a 42.2% share, slightly ahead of beer at 42%.
Chris Swonger, president and CEO of Discus, noted, “While the spirits industry has shown resilience, it remains vulnerable to economic pressures. Consumers faced high prices and rising interest rates, which affected their discretionary spending, including purchases of distilled spirits.”
The Five Biggest Spirits in the US by Volume
5. Rum: A Continued Decline
Rum sales in the US totaled 20.7 million nine-liter cases in 2024, marking an 8.9% decline from 22.7 million cases in 2023. This follows a downward trend, as the category had already seen a 5.7% decrease in the previous year.
4. American Whiskey: A Moderate Drop
American whiskey saw a 2.7% drop in volume sales, reaching 30.3 million cases in 2024 compared to 31.3 million in 2023. The category had experienced only a slight dip of 0.4% the year before, indicating a more significant shift this year.
3. Tequila and Mezcal: Steady Growth
The agave spirits category continued its upward trajectory, growing by 2.0% in 2024. Sales increased from 31.6 million cases in 2023 to 32.3 million cases, further widening its lead over American whiskey. In the prior year, this segment had surged by 5.7%.
2. Cocktails and RTDs: Rapid Expansion
Cocktails and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages solidified their position as one of the biggest spirits US categories. Volume sales rose by an impressive 17% to 73.1 million cases in 2024, following a 24.3% growth in 2023. This sector continues to challenge vodka for the top spot.
1. Vodka: Still on Top Despite a Slight Decline
Vodka retained its title as the biggest spirits US category by volume. However, sales dipped by 1.1% to 74.1 million cases in 2024, compared to 74.9 million in 2023. Despite this decline, vodka remains the dominant spirit in the US market.
Key Takeaways from 2024
- Rum and American whiskey experienced declines in sales volume.
- Tequila and mezcal maintained steady growth.
- Cocktails and RTDs surged, continuing their rapid expansion.
- Vodka held its top position despite a slight dip.
As the spirits industry navigates economic challenges, shifting consumer preferences continue to shape market trends. Brands that adapt to evolving demand will be best positioned for success in the coming years.
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Source of information
The Spirits Business’ Article: Top five biggest spirits by volume in the US in 2024, written by Melita Kiely
The image of the article is courtesy of © Veeterzy via Canva.com
