(Courtesy Sovos ShipCompliant)

Direct-to- Consumer beer shipments really accelerated during the pandemic, but there are still many US states that haven’t embraced the future of beer delivery.

Here’s the deal…

On March 12, Sovos ShipCompliant, a company that offers Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) shipping compliance & management solutions, and the Brewers Association, a national trade organization that advocates for US craft brewers, released its latest Direct-to-Consumer Beer Shipping Report.

Not all that surprisingly the report, which offers an in-depth analysis of a consumer poll and an economist’s review of the DtC beer shipping market, found that consumer interest and enthusiasm for having their favorite brews shipped to their front doors has never been higher.

Unfortunately the Sovos ShipCompliant/Harris Poll consumer survey also found that state laws are not keeping up with consumer demand.

In 2023 Sovos reported that…

Nearly eight out of 10 (81%) of regular craft beer drinkers have tried a beer while traveling that they wish they could purchase but it’s not available near their home.

85% (compared to 77% in 2022) of regular craft beer drinkers say the ability to purchase beer via DtC shipping would make them more likely to try beer from out-of-state breweries.

In fact, 72% of regular craft beer drinkers reported that they would spend $50 or more per month if they could, while 51% say they would spend $100 or more per month.

86% of regular craft beer drinkers said that they would be likely to think more positively of a brewery that offers a DtC purchasing option. And 85% would be likely to recommend that brewery to family and friends.

88% of respondents said that there should be greater legal access to DtC beer shipping. However, as of March 2023, just 11 states and Washington, DC currently permit DtC beer shipping.

“Once again, majorities of regular craft beer drinkers and adult Americans alike have expressed their belief that current beer shipping laws need to be expanded. The takeaways remain clear: there is significant opportunity for a larger, well-regulated direct-to-consumer shipping channel that complements three-tier distribution, helps craft brewers and their business partners, and benefits consumers alike,” said Alex Koral, regulatory general counsel, Sovos ShipCompliant. “Breweries and beer drinkers are simply seeking the same access and opportunities as the wine industry, which has been successfully and responsibly shipping DtC for decades.”

“The experience from the wine industry and the limited states that currently allow DtC beer shipping underline the success of this model in beverage alcohol ,” added Bart Watson, President & CEO, Brewers Association, and the realities of tightening distribution opportunities make direct shipping a sensible route to market for many American small breweries

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(Image credits: Sovos ShipCompliant)