New Year's Eve In Karnataka Sees 15% Surge In Beer Sales As Indian-Made Liquor Declines

In the month of December 2023, post New Year celebrations, the sale of IML (Indian Made Liquor) in the state saw a decrease of 13 thousand cases, while beer sales surged by 5.64 lakh cases.

As per the Karnataka State Beverages Corporation Ltd (KSBCL) data, December 2022 witnessed the sale of 64.26 lakh cases of IML, whereas in December 2023, the sales dropped slightly to 64.13 lakh cases, a decline of 0.20 percent.

Meanwhile, beer sales witnessed a notable rise from 36.04 lakh cases in December 2022 to 41.68 lakh cases in December 2023, reflecting an increase of 15.65 percent, accounting for over 5.64 lakh additional cases sold.

On December 31, 2023, the IML sales recorded a decline, whereas beer sales surged. IML sales went from 3.20 lakh cases on December 31, 2022, to 2.87 lakh cases on December 31, 2023, marking a decrease of 33 thousand cases. Similarly, beer sales dropped from 2.57 lakh cases to 1.86 lakh cases.

From April 2023 to December 31, 2023, IML sales saw a minor uptick of 1.69 percent, while beer sales notably increased by 15.59 percent. Experts in the excise industry attribute the decline in IML consumption to repeated tax hikes, health concerns, and various other factors, while noting the upsurge in beer sales.

Managing Director of the corporation, Manoj Kumar, reported a record turnover of 18.85 crores on December 31st across 1031 MSIL liquor outlets in the state. He highlighted an increase in turnover of approximately Rs 4.34 crore compared to December 31, 2022, citing a significant rise of 11.66 lakhs in the shop near Raichur railway station. Bengaluru city district topped the alcohol sales charts, reaching 1.82 crores.

The excise department, until December, garnered a revenue of Rs 25,000 crore from liquor sales in the financial year 2023-24, aiming for a target of Rs 36,000 crores. A revenue goal of Rs 25,000 crores is set for the current period, with an additional aim of earning Rs 11,000 crores in the upcoming three months.