Thiruvananthapuram, 27 August (H.S.):Kerala recorded liquor sales worth Rs 771.29 crore through outlets operated by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) during the eight-day Onam shopping period that ended on Tuesday.

The latest figures represent an increase of Rs 76.33 crore compared with the corresponding festive period last year. During the eight-day period in 2025, BEVCO outlets across the State had reported liquor sales totalling Rs 694.96 crore.

Uthradam, the day preceding Thiruvonam and traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the festival season, accounted for sales worth Rs 126.31 crore through BEVCO outlets alone.

However, the Uthradam-day figure was lower than the sales recorded on the same occasion last year. In 2025, BEVCO had sold liquor worth around Rs 137 crore on Uthradam. This year's sales were therefore lower by approximately Rs 10.69 crore, despite the significant increase registered during the overall eight-day period.

The figures indicate that consumer spending on liquor remained strong throughout the Onam season, even though sales on the peak shopping day failed to surpass the previous year's level. BEVCO, which operates the largest network of government-controlled liquor retail outlets in Kerala, continued to account for the bulk of the State's festive-season liquor business.

Outlets operated by Consumerfed also reported brisk sales during the festival. On Uthradam alone, Consumerfed's liquor outlets registered sales of Rs 20.36 crore. The precise figure stood at Rs 20,35,95,800.

Taken together, BEVCO and Consumerfed outlets sold liquor worth more than Rs 146.66 crore on Uthradam. The substantial turnover recorded by the two government-controlled retail networks highlights the surge in liquor purchases traditionally witnessed in Kerala ahead of Thiruvonam.

While BEVCO's Uthradam sales declined compared with last year, the strong cumulative growth over the eight-day period helped the corporation register its highest Onam-season turnover.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman