Spirits have officially edged past wine on a global volume basis for the first time since IWSR started tracking the data in 1990, according to new analysis highlighted by Drinks International. The shift is driven by sustained growth in categories like agave, whisky and ready-to-serve spirits, while still wine volumes stagnate or decline in key mature markets. IWSR’s latest figures show total spirits consumption now surpasses wine in liters consumed worldwide, a symbolic tipping point that codifies what many bar operators have been feeling at the rail for years.[1] For the trade, this is less a bolt from the blue and more a formal scorecard on where the energy really lives. Higher-margin spirits now command the volume crown, which strengthens the hand of suppliers pushing premium-plus line extensions and gives bars more leverage to lean into cocktail-led programs, agave lists, and spirits-focused upsells. IWSR has been flagging outperformance in categories such as tequila, mezcal, and select Asian spirits, even as overall beverage alcohol moderates.[1][5] Watch how this data shows up in fall planning: portfolio rationalisations at the wine end, more R&D money flowing into flavored, RTD, and cross-category hybrids, and a fresh wave of spirits-led brand launches fighting for your backbar. Sources: - Drinks International: https://drinksint.com - IWSR: https://www.escoffier.edu/blog/world-food-drink/alcohol-and-beverage-trends/
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