Beer may lose its lead in the U.S. alcohol industry as spirits rise.
As beverage makers flood the market with popular new drink categories, including ready-to-drink cocktails, beer is taking up less of the American alcohol market.
Even established beer brands have developed items for spirits drinkers in addition to their standard beer offerings.
The largest brewer in the world, Anheuser-Busch InBev, has expanded its product line to include hard seltzers, canned wine, and canned cocktails.
In order to reflect a comparable expansion into spirits, Molson Coors eliminated the "Brewing Co" from its name in 2019.
The ready-to-drink tequila beverage Loma Vista Tequila Soda, which comes in lime and mango flavors, was introduced this week by Boston Beer, the company that makes Samuel Adams.
Several areas, including Austin, Texas; Fort Collins, Colorado; Wichita, Kansas; and Kansas City, are introducing the lineup.
According to Boston Beer, the "explosive growth of the RTD beverage segment" and "the rise in popularity of tequila" are directly related to its tequila cocktails.
Vodka (4.9%), tequila/mezcal (30.1%), American whiskey (6.7%), brandy & cognac (13.1%), and cordials (15.2%) were DISCUS's top five spirits by sales increase in 2021.
According to a survey released earlier this year by the Distilled Spirits Council, a national trade organization.
Beer lost market share to spirits for the 12th year in a row in the overall U.S. alcoholic beverage market.