Online alcohol & beer sales and restaurant alcohol orders are steadily on the rise, despite COVID restrictions lifting in many places throughout the world and consumers returning to restaurants.
According to the International Wine and Spirits Record, the number of consumers buying alcohol online more than doubled from 19% in 2019 to 44% in 2020, and online alcohol sales were predicted to hit $24 billion in 2021.
Here are the top beer types in the United States and Canada according to 2021 DoorDash alcohol ordering data:
Lagers
IPAs
Ales
Craft Beers
Specialty Beers
Porters & Stouts
Pilsners
Wheat Beers
Imported Beers
Malts
As more and more people opt into the convenience of alcohol delivery, sales are poised to grow in 2022. In 2021, the number of DoorDash alcohol orders (which includes pickup and delivery, including through restaurants) was more than 5.2 million.
Most beer orders occurred on Fridays and Saturdays, with the highest number of orders placed on Fridays. The highest number of beer orders were placed at 6 p.m. across all time zones.
Top three beers by order volume
Across every region in the United States and Canada where alcohol ordering is permitted, lagers were the most popular option on DoorDash. Pale lagers are popular for being easy to drink, with a light hoppy taste. Lagers such as Budweiser, Heineken, Coors, and Corona are among the most popular beers in America, according to The Drinks Business. In Vinepair’s ranking of the 25 most popular beers in America, pale lagers occupied many spots among the top 10, with Heineken ranking second.
While lagers occupied the top spot, IPAs (India Pale Ales) came in as the second most popular beer ordered on DoorDash in 2021. Once considered a minor player in the craft beer movement, IPAs have become more widely available with many variations. According to The Brewers Association, IPAs are the top-selling craft beer style in supermarkets and liquor stores across the US Hazy IPAs, (which are less bitter and are characterized by their fruitness) are the most popular type of IPAs sold among craft beer drinkers.
Rounding out the top three are ales. Ales, such as Sierra Nevada, have a light hoppy flavor and often pair well with foods such as burgers and pizza, making them a popular choice.
Most popular states for alcohol orders
Three of the biggest markets for alcohol ordering on the DoorDash app are California, Texas, and New York.
California saw a total of over 2.3 million alcohol orders (which includes pickup and delivery). While state guidelines vary on beer and other types of alcohol delivery, sales are showing that demand will continue to grow in 2022 and beyond.
How to sell beer with DoorDash
For restaurants, adding an option for beer orders can be a profitable move. Since most beers have a long shelf life, there’s less worry about spoilage and waste. Selling beer also allows you to get creative by pairing your menu with suggested beverages, adding another layer of convenience for customers — and another upsell opportunity for your restaurant.
If your business is a wine shop, liquor store, or another kind of alcohol retailer like a convenience store, selling alcohol on DoorDash can help increase your sales. You can connect with local customers looking for a more convenient way of getting beer delivered and increase profits by selling drinking accessories like cups, straws, and more.
To get started with selling alcohol through DoorDash, sign up to become a DoorDash partner. A merchant expert will contact you and ensure that your liquor license is valid and that alcohol delivery is available in your area. Once approved, you can add alcohol offerings to your online store on DoorDash.
When ready to check out, the customer will receive an alcohol warning and must agree to age verification terms stating that the order recipient is of legal drinking age in their jurisdiction and will present a valid government ID when receiving the order.
Driving beer sales with DoorDash
As more consumers continue to look for convenient delivery, selling beer on DoorDash could be a profitable avenue to boost sales for your restaurant, convenience store, wine shop, or liquor store. Looking to reach new customers? Sign up as a DoorDash partner and start growing your beer sales today.
