The 2025 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report has revealed that demand remains strong for direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipped craft spirits. The report, commissioned by Sovos ShipCompliant and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) and conducted by The Harris Poll, explores the purchasing habits and intentions of U.S. adults ages 21+ who regularly consume craft spirits.
This year’s data found that the vast majority of regular craft spirits drinkers (84%) want the ability to legally purchase their favourite craft spirits through DtC channels, while 82% want to see laws change to expand DtC spirits shipping.
“The current constraints on DtC shipping for craft spirits not only limit consumer choice but significantly impact the bottom line for distilleries, who are unable to access the broader interested market,” said Alex Koral, regulatory general counsel, Sovos ShipCompliant. “To foster change and expand DtC spirits shipping, consumers and distillers alike must work with legislators and express their desires for the right to DtC shipments of spirits.”
The report highlighted that outdated spirit shipping laws fail to meet demand. Only nine states, plus Washington, D.C., permit interstate DtC spirits shipping. Yet over two thirds of legal drinking age Americans (67%) and the majority of regular craft spirits drinkers (82%) want to see changes in current U.S. spirits shipping laws to allow for DtC spirits to be shipped in more states than it is currently legal in.
The expansion of DtC shipping laws could bolster physical retail sales, along with retail store brand loyalty as consumers seek out brands initially encountered via DtC shipping. Among regular craft spirits drinkers inclined to purchase via DtC, 92% report they would be likely to seek out a brand they enjoyed at retail after first purchasing it through DtC shipping. Historical data from nearly 20 years of legal DtC wine shipping in the U.S. demonstrates a strong correlation between DtC success and subsequent performance in wholesale distribution and retail, the report mentioned.
It added that the current DtC shipping restrictions are causing distilleries to leave significant revenue on the table from out-of-state enthusiasts. More than three quarters of regular craft spirits drinkers (77%) have tried a craft spirit while traveling that they wish they could purchase, but is not available near their home. More than three quarters of regular craft spirits drinkers (77%) say they would be more likely to try new craft spirit brands if they were able to purchase the spirits via DtC shipping to their home.
“The vast majority of craft distillers are small businesses and their products are not meant for wide distribution. Most wholesalers and retailers cannot practically carry all products made by all distilleries throughout the United States, meaning the majority of consumers are being deprived of new and innovative distilled spirits products,” said Margie A.S. Lehrman, CEO of the American Craft Spirits Association. “The 2025 report once again demonstrates that craft consumers in all regions across the country overwhelmingly support direct shipping of spirits. Expanding access represents a win for distillers, a win for consumers and a win for local economies. Now is the time for policymakers to modernize the distilled spirits marketplace and help craft distillers.”