How To Buy Single Beers From A Six-Pack

Whether or not you can buy a single beer from a six-pack depends on the state and the retailer. Some states, like New York, allow the individual sale of beer bottles and cans, but that does not mean the retailer has to let you. For many retailers, the breaking of packs is a huge inconvenience as they are forced to figure out how to sell the remaining beers. If you live in a state that allows the sale of solo beers, your best bet to ensure you can buy a single beer without feeling guilty is to shop at a store that advertises they support the practice.

Some states allow the individual sale of beer bottles and cans

Whether or not you can buy a single beer from a six-pack depends on the state you're in and the retailer. Some states, like New York, allow the individual sale of beer bottles and cans, meaning a customer can technically buy a single beer on its own. However, this does not mean that the retailer has to let you, and for many, the breaking of packs is a huge inconvenience. This is because they then have to figure out how to sell the remaining, broken pack to another customer.

If you live in a state that allows the sale of solo beers, your best bet to ensure you can buy a single beer without causing issues is to shop at a store that advertises they support the practice. These stores will often have a cooler of single beers available for purchase. If not, ask before you take it upon yourself to break up a pack.

The sale of single beers is part of a wider trend of declining six-pack sales, as 12-packs and singles gain in popularity. Singles were the biggest winners of the year in 2023, increasing by 2.2%. It is predicted that singles and 12-packs will surpass six-packs in popularity in 2024.

Retailers may not allow the breaking of packs

Whether or not retailers allow the breaking of packs is influenced by several factors, including state regulations and business preferences. While some states, like New York, permit the individual sale of beer bottles and cans, ultimately, it is up to the retailer to decide whether to accommodate such requests.

From a retailer's perspective, allowing customers to break a pack and purchase a single beer can be problematic. It can be challenging to sell the remaining beers in the pack to another customer, as they may opt for an untouched pack instead. This can lead to broken packs sitting on the shelf, losing flavour over time, and eventually being discarded. Therefore, many retailers choose to dissuade the practice to avoid potential waste and maintain the freshness of their products.

Additionally, some retailers share concerns similar to those of breweries. They believe that selling single beers from a pack may hinder their ability to move products at a healthy rate. This is especially relevant for small, local breweries, as customers buying a whole pack directly supports the brewery. Allowing the breaking of packs may inadvertently discourage customers from experimenting with different beers and committing to a single type.

Furthermore, retailers may also consider the operational implications of allowing single-beer purchases. It can create additional work for staff, who would need to rearrange beers to fill incomplete packs or create special displays for single beers. This extra effort may not align with the retailer's priorities or staffing capabilities.

Singles surpassed four-packs in popularity in 2023

The six-pack is in decline. While six-pack beer sales declined last year for both craft beer and beer in general, 12-pack sales have risen. In the craft beer market, six-packs were still the most popular option, but their popularity is waning, with sales down by over 12% in 2023.

Instead, consumers are turning to 12-packs and singles. In 2023, singles were the biggest winners, increasing by 2.2% and even surpassing four-packs in popularity. This trend is expected to continue, with industry experts predicting that the popularity of four-packs and six-packs will continue to drop, and that singles and 12-packs will become the top-selling formats in 2024.

The shift in consumer preferences may be due to a desire to try a variety of beers without committing to a larger pack, as well as the convenience and value offered by these alternative pack sizes. For instance, singles allow consumers to sample different beers without having to invest in a four- or six-pack. On the other hand, 12-packs offer a great value proposition when stocking up on a favourite beer.

Sampler packs allow you to try several different kinds of beers

Sampler packs are a great way to try several different kinds of beers. Also known as variety packs, these bundles are designed to appeal to multiple tastes and vibes. They allow you to get your hands on a range of brands in a single package, giving you the opportunity to experiment with different styles and expand your palate.

Variety packs are usually a mix of a brewery's core brands—the beers that sell best for them and make up their identity. For example, a variety pack might include a Pilsner, an IPA, a Belgian Wit, a brown ale, an American Pale Ale, and a Russian Imperial Stout. This way, you can try a range of beers from the same brewery without committing to a full six-pack of each.

In addition to the core brands package, breweries also offer variety packs tailored to particular types of beer, such as IPA, Belgians, and seasonal styles. For instance, if you're a fan of Pumpkin ale but only want to drink it in small amounts, you can grab a few cans as part of a fall variety pack. Variety packs are also a great way to acquaint yourself with a new brewery without having to buy more beer than you want.

Some of the more specialized variety packs also offer the chance to focus on a certain style of beer. For example, IPA packs contain all kinds of hoppy treasures, and you can even zero in on a certain hop varietal. You can find what's right for you with a seasonal pack!

So, if you're looking to explore different beers and expand your horizons, sampler packs are a perfect choice. They offer a range of flavours and styles, and you might just discover your new favourite brew!

Buying a mono-variety six-pack helps breweries move their product

In today's culture, consumers tend to be commitment-phobic, especially when it comes to dining out. The same phenomenon can be observed in the way people buy their beer. People often want to try a little bit of everything, and this is reflected in the popularity of sampler packs or mix-and-match six-packs. While these variety packs are appealing, they can have some drawbacks for breweries and consumers.

Firstly, buying a mono-variety six-pack helps breweries move their product more effectively. When consumers purchase a full pack of a single variety, they are supporting the brewery, especially small local breweries, by helping them sell their product at a faster rate. This is important for breweries to maintain healthy inventory turnover and ensure the beer is fresh and clean for consumption.

Additionally, when a customer enjoys a beer directly from a brewery, they are 55% more likely to buy that beer again in the future at retail. This means that if a customer has a great experience at a brewery and takes home a few beers of the same variety, they are more likely to purchase that product again at their local stores. As such, buying a mono-variety six-pack not only supports the brewery's immediate sales but also increases the chances of repeat purchases, benefiting the brewery in the long run.

Furthermore, breweries, especially small and independent ones, often face challenges due to restrictive laws and the influence of powerful distributors. In some places, breweries are not allowed to sell their products for take-home consumption, which can hinder their ability to move their product and satisfy customer demands. By purchasing a mono-variety six-pack, consumers can help breweries overcome these challenges and support their growth.

In conclusion, buying a mono-variety six-pack is beneficial for breweries as it helps them move their product more efficiently, increases the chances of repeat purchases, and provides support to small local breweries navigating regulatory and industry obstacles. While variety packs have their appeal, committing to a single variety can ultimately be more advantageous for both consumers and breweries.

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