Kochi, 02 Jan (H.S.):Kerala witnessed a surge in liquor sales on New Year’s Eve, with the state-run Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) recording sales worth ₹105.78 crore across its outlets on December 31. The figures marked a significant rise compared to ₹97.13 crore recorded on the same day in 2024, highlighting increased consumer spending during the festive season.

Kochi emerged as the top-performing city, with the Kadavanthra BEVCO outlet registering the highest single-day sales in the State. The outlet recorded liquor sales worth ₹1,00,16,610, becoming the only outlet to cross the ₹1 crore mark in a single day. The Ravipuram outlet in Kochi followed closely with sales of ₹95.08 lakh, while the Edappal Kuttippalam outlet in Malappuram district stood third with sales amounting to ₹82.86 lakh.

The Kadavanthra outlet had also performed strongly during Christmas, recording sales of ₹66.88 lakh on Christmas Eve, ranking third statewide on that day. On New Year’s Eve alone, Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) accounted for ₹69.78 lakh in sales at the outlet. Beer sales stood at ₹11.81 lakh, foreign liquor at ₹15.04 lakh, wine at ₹3 lakh, and imported wine at ₹42,710.

Statewide data showed that IMFL continued to dominate the market, contributing ₹92.89 crore to total sales. Beer followed with ₹9.83 crore, while foreign liquor sales stood at ₹1.58 crore. Wine sales touched ₹1.40 crore, and imported wine accounted for ₹5.95 lakh.

Officials attributed the surge in sales to New Year celebrations, extended operating hours, and high consumer turnout. The record-breaking figures once again highlighted liquor sales as a major source of revenue for the state, especially during festive periods.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman