, September 13, 2018
Innovations in whiskey, a growth of small distillers and improved regulatory taxes across the states are all contributing factors to the increased volume of sales within the distilled spirits industry. In 2014, the Distilled Spirits Council reported sales of whiskey, vodka and other distilled alcohols had increased 4 percent over the previous year, which led then-Gifts and Decorative Accessories editor Tina Benitez-Eves to reflect on its influence of sales in other related, imbibable goods.
“This love of distilled alcohols continues to spill into gourmet foods—vodka and whiskey-infused preserves and condiments and confections—to kitchen ware, distill-your-own spirits kits and other related goods,” Benitez-Eves wrote in Gifts and Dec’s Nov. 2015 issue.
In 2018, the distilled spirits industry continues to enjoy increased market share gains—latest reports note that supplier sales rising $1 billion, for a total of $26.2 billion.
“The spirits sector had a banner year in 2017, driven by consumer confidence in the U.S. economy, product innovations that adult consumers want, and a fascination with premiumization across categories,” said Council President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz in a press release.
Primary spirits driving the growth in distilled spirits include American whiskey, cognac, tequila, Irish whiskey and rhy whiskey. These drinks continue to drive themes in gifts, showing up not just in gourmet but also in candles and humorous apparel lines, as seen below in new products from Northern Lights and Ever Ellis, respectively.
