dtc-wine-report-2024

2024 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report

The spirits industry stands on the brink of a major opportunity with the expansion of direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping. But despite growing demand, the regulatory landscape remains a significant hurdle. The 2024 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report, produced in collaboration with the American Craft Spirits Association, dives deep into these challenges, as well as the growing opportunity for DtC shipping. 

What’s Inside? 

The 2024 report reveals how expanded access could reshape the future of the spirits industry by breaking down legal barriers, opening new revenue streams for distilleries, and meeting the expectations of today’s convenience-driven consumers.  

Featuring data from over 2,000 U.S. adults and 641 regular craft spirits drinkers, the report includes: 

  • The Regulatory State of Spirits Shipping: A state-by-state breakdown of the current legal framework governing DtC shipping across the U.S. 
  • Roadblocks and Limitations: Examination of the specific legal and logistical barriers that prevent distillers from fully capitalizing on DtC shipping. 
  • Legislative and Policy Developments: An update on key legislative efforts in 2024 aimed at expanding spirits shipping across the U.S. 
  • Consumer Preferences: Detailed insights from a nationwide survey of regular craft spirits drinkers, revealing the growing desire for direct shipping of craft spirits. 
  • The American Craft Spirits Association Perspective: A viewpoint from the ACSA on why DtC shipping is critical for the future success of the craft spirits industry. 

Get the report now:

Unmet Consumer Demand for DtC Spirits Shipping = Untapped Revenue

Today’s consumers don’t just want quality spirits—they expect convenience. In an era where home delivery is the norm for everything from household products to wine, craft spirits drinkers are seeking the same level of accessibility for their favorite beverages. However, current shipping restrictions mean that most distilleries are unable to meet this demand.

If DtC shipping were legalized, regular consumers would spend an average of $1,500 annually on getting craft spirits shipped directly to them, highlighting the significant revenue distilleries are missing out on due to limited access. For distilleries looking to expand beyond local markets and reach out-of-state consumers, this represents a powerful, untapped source of growth and engagement.  

85% of regular craft spirits drinkers want the ability to purchase their favorite spirits via DtC shipping (+5% since 2022)

It's not just distilleries that stand to benefit, either. The reality is that DtC shipping and retail can coexist, each playing a crucial role in expanding consumer access and supporting the craft spirits market. Allowing distilleries to reach consumers directly creates a pathway for smaller producers to introduce their products to a wider audience. As those consumers become loyal to the brands they discover through DtC, they will continue to seek them out in stores, driving up retail demand.

It is time to modify and modernize regulations to align with consumer demands for choice and convenience, and create open and fair competition for this innovative industry.

The craft spirits industry can’t afford to leave money on the table.

Learn how DtC shipping could open new avenues for customer engagement and consistent revenue.

Download the report now

Consumer Survey Methodology   

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Sovos ShipCompliant from August 15-19, 2024 among 2,032 U.S. adults ages 21+, among whom 641 drink craft spirits/liquor at least once per month. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval.
For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.6 percentage points using a 95% confidence level for adults ages 21+, and within +/- 4.6 percentage points using a 95% confidence level for those who drink craft spirits/liquor at least once per month. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact helloship@sovos.com. 

Crafting the Future of Spirits Shipping

The spirits sector has the potential to experience a transformation like what we’ve seen in DtC wine shipping, now a $4 billion market. By modernizing outdated shipping laws and expanding access to DtC spirits shipping, the industry stands to unlock substantial new revenue streams and bring craft spirits to consumers in ways never before possible. 

This is more than just a shift in how spirits are sold; it's a fundamental change in how the industry operates, offering distilleries the ability to grow their brands and build stronger, more direct relationships with consumers. The question is no longer whether the market is ready for DtC spirits shipping, but how quickly the industry can adapt to meet this demand.

Download the 2024 DtC Spirits Shipping Report