Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, May 23: After the Corona pandemic, the demand for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) has not grown significantly. However, beer has emerged as a popular alternative. In coastal districts, the demand for beer is particularly high during the summer season.
The increase in excise tax on liquor, coupled with insufficient production to meet demand, has severely impacted liquor sales. Additionally, the humid climate prevalent in the district has further boosted the demand for refreshing beverages like beer.
According to statistics from the excise department, in the Dakshina Kannada district, 27,48,957 boxes of liquor were sold in the fiscal year 2023-24. The corresponding figures for 2022-23 and 2021-22 were 27,46,253 and 27,07,465 boxes, respectively. However, beer sales saw a significant increase from 17,20,086 boxes in 2021-22 to 22,60,362 boxes in 2022-23 and further to 25,03,153 in 2023-24.
The owner of a renowned liquor outlet in Mangaluru stated, “The rise in excise tax is the primary reason for the stagnant sales of IMFL. This has disproportionately affected consumers from the poorer and lower-middle-class segments. Despite stagnant sales, the government is still generating substantial revenue from taxes.” He also noted that many consumers are opting for cheaper-priced IMFL options, while there are also beers available at more affordable prices, leading many IMFL consumers to switch to beer.
Despite the global prevalence of the Corona pandemic, beer sales have consistently increased every year. An official from the Excise department mentioned that beer sales are growing at a rate of 15 to 20 percent annually.
T M Srinivas, the deputy commissioner of excise for Dakshina Kannada, commented, “The stocks of popular liquor brands favoured by the affluent are dwindling. The inadequate production by distilleries to meet demand is another factor affecting sales. Furthermore, the hot summer weather in coastal regions has led to a higher demand for beer compared to IMFL.”