NEW YORK (Reuters) – Americans slightly slowed their consumption of hard liquor last year, a trade group said on Tuesday, proving that spirits are relatively resilient in a recession, but not immune.
U.S. revenue for spirits makers in 2009 was flat even though sales volume rose slightly, as many budget-conscious consumers turned to lower-priced drinks, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
The trade group expects sales growth to rebound as the economy mends, but stopped short of giving a forecast for 2010.
Full story: Recession slows 2009 liquor sales: trade group | Reuters