Kerala’s BEVCO sees record liquor sales surge in first 4 days of Xmas-New Year season

As Kerala celebrated Christmas, liquor sales through state-run outlets surged, with the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC) recording sales worth Rs 332.62 crore during the first four days of the festive season, officials said on Friday.

The data covers the period from December 22 to Christmas Day, part of the Christmas–New Year festive season officially marked by KSBC from December 22 to 31.

Nearly 19% jump over last year

According to KSBC figures released on Friday, sales during the four-day period rose by 18.99 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year.

During the same period last year, liquor sales stood at Rs 229.54 crore. Another official comparison showed an increase of Rs 53.08 crore, with sales during the previous Christmas period pegged at Rs 279.54 crore.

Christmas Eve crosses Rs 100 crore mark

The highest single-day sale was recorded on December 24, when liquor worth Rs 114.45 crore was sold across KSBC outlets.

Daily sales figures showed:

December 22: Rs 77.62 crore

December 23: Rs 81.34 crore, while another official tally put the figure at Rs 81.56 crore

December 25 (Christmas Day): Rs 59.21 crore

New Year rush expected

KSBC officials said liquor sales are expected to rise further on December 30 and 31, driven by New Year celebrations across the state.

For comparison, during the 12-day Onam festive season this year, KSBC had recorded liquor sales of Rs 970.74 crore.

Consumerfed figures awaited

Apart from KSBC, Consumerfed operates a limited number of liquor outlets in Kerala. Officials said sales data from these outlets will be released later.