Sales of strong spirits on the rise in shops, but producers report reduction in revenues

2009-12-17

Sales of strong alcoholic drinks in stores have been growing in Poland in 2009, according to Gazeta Prawna. Between January and September 2009 demand for vodka and wine increased by 8.9% and 4.6% respectively in terms of volume, according to the Nielsen. In terms of value, in the first nine months of 2009 spending on vodka and wine in stores came to PLN 11.5bn (€2.8bn) and PLN 1.6bn (€0.4bn) respectively, reflecting year-on-year increases of 13.3% and 10%.
However, a decline in sales was reported by alcoholic beverage producers. Central Statistics Office (GUS) data show that there was a 6 million litre shortfall in the amount of strong spirits sold by producers in the first half of 2009 in comparison with the analogous period of 2008.
The Sobieski group, which belongs to Belvedere, the well-known French vodka producer, expects a reduction in revenues in 2009 as a result of the global recession and the company’s financial difficulties, in addition to a dispute with its creditors.
Furthermore, Ambra, the prominent wine producer and distributor, reported an 18% reduction in sales in the 2008/2009 fiscal year which ended in June 2009.
Market analysts emphasise that the increase in the sales of strong spirits on the Polish market reflects rising demand for the alcoholic beverages produced by the Polmos Lublin distillery, the manufacturer of Gorzka Zoladkowa and Czysta de Lux Zoladkowa, which has been coping with the crisis better than others. The latter brand, introduced on the market at the end of 2007, has witnessed exceptional sales growth, which has boosted company's market share to 30%.
However, all producers expect Christmas and New Year’s Eve to boost their sales. According to Tomasz Gorny, of Ambra, demand for strong spirits can increase by up to 20% in December in comparison with other months of the year.

Free headlines

Latest news