Thanks to COVID and ecommerce, the alcohol industry was disrupted this year—and it’s expected to continue in 2021. With restaurants and bars being closed or limiting capacity for most of the year, young drinkers found ways to drink at home. According to IWSR, alcohol delivery and direct-to-consumer brands like Drizly and ReserveBar saw explosive growth, with ecommerce alcohol sales on track to grow more than 40% by the end of the year. In 2021, experts expect the pandemic “to continue impacting on-premise business for at least the first half other year” as consumers continue to rely on delivery, DTC, and other off-premise sales. YPulse’s nightlife and drinking report found that 34% of 21-39-year-olds have been regularly shopping for alcohol online since lockdowns started, while 66% say that post-COVID, they will prefer to drink at home than go out. (Adweek)
