How much more is the U.S. drinking during coronavirus spread? A lot.
Updated Apr 01, 2020; Posted Apr 01, 2020
16ksharesBy Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
Many Americans are getting through the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic with some extra liquor, the Associated Press reports.
U.S. alcoholic beverage sales rose 55% during the week ending on March 21, according to market research firm Neilsen.
Liquor like gin, tequila and pre-mixed cocktails led the way in the spiked demand, with sales up 75% compared to the same time last year, the report said. Wine sales jumped 66% while beer sales increased 42%.
Many people avoided stores to acquire their booze. Online alcohol sales jumped by 243%, the report said.
Sales may have peaked that week as people stocked their pantries in anticipation of state stay-at-home orders, said Danell Kosmal, a Nielsen vice president. When it becomes available, data for the week of March 28 will be a better indicator of demand.
Michigan’s stay-at-home order went into effect on March 24 with an expected end date of April 13. However, Michiganders still have access to alcohol at grocery and convenience stores, unlike citizens in some states where alcohol is not sold at grocery stores.
The novel coronavirus continues to pummel Michigan. The total number of confirmed cases reached 7,615 on Tuesday, March 31, while deaths rose to 259, according to the state’s daily update on coronavirus numbers.
There have been more than 160,000 cases of the coronavirus and almost than 3,000 deaths in the United States.
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