January 24/New York/States News Service -- The following information was released by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States:

The distilled spirits industry is showing signs of recovery, but policy makers need to refrain from increasing tax burdens because the economy is not out of the woods yet, Distilled Spirits Council CEO Peter Cressy said at an annual industry briefing for media and analysts.

According to 2010 economic data released by the council, supplier volumes rose 2% to 190 million cases and revenue rose 2.3% to $19.1 billion, but Cressy pointed out that growth rates remain below the robust pre-recession growth rates, and the important on-premise (restaurants and bars) sector is still experiencing a fragile recovery.

From the February 7, 2011, Prepared Foods E-dition