SPIRITS VOLUMES FALL FROM JANUARY

After NABCA (control states) spirits volumes soared in January to 4.12% from the previous year, February volumes were up only 1.6%, according to Melissa Earlam of UBS based on data from Information Resource (IRI). Last year, spirits grew 4% overall, leaving 2.8% YTD growth at a considerable disadvantage. Nevertheless, Melissa “does note a relatively tough year on year comps for January and February 2007 with almost 6% growth in 2006.”

In January, Diageo lost volume share in gin, vodka and tequila, but made a comeback in February with a volume gain of 2.1 and 3.1% YTD. Diageo gained share in Scotch, Canadian whiskey, rum and cordial, which “could be a reflection of the timing of price increases,” says Melissa.