Dallas—
The sagging economy hasn't affected affected alcohol sales. Americans are still drinking. But what they're drinking is changing.Like many people Cornell Green enjoys an occasional beer. Today he's choosing Budweiser. It's $1.79 cheaper than his usual Heineken. Green says, "Imported beer is more expensive, these times you're trying to save a buck."
Beer industry giants Anheuser Bush and MillerCoors are reporting higher than normal sales of economy beers. There are four classes of beer. The most inexpensive are economy like Natural and Busch. Then come your popular beers like Miller High Life and Bud Ice. Budweiser and Coors Light are considered premium beers and the most expensive are imports like Heineken and Corona.
The president of Centennial wine and spirits admits import beer sales are down. He sells more Budweiser and Miller. Greg Wonsmos says, " They're tending to trade down, ah, you know, staying within their budget during the recession."
Beverage depot stores are seeing the same thing. At three dollars and seventy-five cents a six pack, Natural is also his best selling beer.
Another trend store owners are seeing is increased sales of individual beers like these. They are only a dollar twenty. According to the 7-eleven chain, consumers are buying cheaper beers at their 6100 stores. They've also noticed another unique change, more people buying canned beer. Studies show consumers tend to buy bottles when hanging with friends, but cans when drinking at home.
