US alcohol volumes fall 5% in 2025, says IWSR
Fresh figures from IWSR show US alcohol volumes continued to slide in 2025, with only a handful of categories and one state bucking the downward trend.
Total beverage alcohol consumption in the US declined by 5% in volume during 2025, according to new figures released by IWSR.
The data comes from IWSR’s US Navigator product, which tracks volume performance at both national and state level, with the 2025 reporting cycle now complete ahead of the group’s wider global data release later this quarter.
At a national level, almost every major beverage alcohol category recorded volume declines in 2025.
Alcohol beer volumes fell by 6%, while wine volumes also declined by 6%. Spirits posted a smaller decline of 4%.
RTDs, which have been a key growth engine for the drinks sector in recent years, were down by 1% overall. The category was dragged lower by a 5% decline in malt-based RTDs, although spirits-based RTDs continued to grow, rising by 14%.
Bright spots remain
Despite the broader downturn, several smaller categories posted growth.
No-alcohol beer volumes increased by 15% in 2025, while Prosecco volumes rose by 3%.
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National Spirits also recorded strong gains, with volumes up 18%. According to IWSR, around 80% of this category is accounted for by the Korean spirit soju.
State-by-state declines
At state level, total beverage alcohol volumes declined across 49 states. Nevada was the only exception, posting total beverage alcohol growth of 3% in 2025.
Alcohol beer declined in every state except Illinois, where volumes rose by 1%, and Nevada, where they increased by 4%.
Spirits volumes were down in 37 states, although a handful recorded gains. Minnesota and Idaho both posted 4% growth, while Oregon was up 2%.
Wine volumes declined in every state except West Virginia, which recorded growth of 1%.
RTD performance varied more significantly by state. Volumes in California fell by 8%, while Texas remained flat at 0% change. Florida, meanwhile, posted RTD growth of 7%.
Commenting on the figures, Marten Lodewijks said: “Affordability concerns are forcing many consumers to cut discretionary spending, and this is putting the beverage alcohol industry under pressure.
“According to IWSR data, the number of people drinking is not changing. Instead, we’re finding that more people are drinking less often, and enjoying fewer drinks when they do. Moderation trends are also playing a role, but when consumer confidence rebounds, we expect volumes in many categories currently in decline to start growing again.
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