The Beer Purchasers’ Index (BPI) for October 2020 shows signs of the beer industry’s buying habits returning to normal, according to the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).

The Total Beer Purchasers’ Index for October 2020 rose by six points from 70 in October 2019 to 76. However, not all news is good news. The “at-risk inventory” index for total beer (inventory at risk of going out-of-code in the next 30 days) continues to record an all-time low with readings currently sitting at 21 for October 2020 compared to 46 in October 2019.

“While still significantly higher, the gap between October 2020 and October 2019 is much smaller than we have seen since May,” said NBWA Chief Economist Lester Jones. “Beer distributors continue to take an aggressive stance in their ordering to minimize out-of-stocks and restock inventories.”

Some trends that have been discovered and reported are as follows:

The index for imports sits at 68 allowing it to apply for expansion territory in September 2020 and is also higher than last year’s reading of 64.

The craft index for October is almost on par with last year, reading at 51 where October 2019 saw a reading of 55.

Domestic beer segments continue to see dominatingly high-numbers leading with premium lights and premium regulars not only in October but stemming from a 7-month streak. Premium lights at 67 remain significantly elevated compared to the 44 from October 2019. The premium regular segment posted a 53 reading in October 2020 relative to 29 in October 2019.