Ohio sees record level of liquor sales

The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control announced that dollar sales of spirituous liquor reached a record level in 2012, totaling $849 million.

This was an increase of 7%, exceeding last year’s total by $55.3 million.

“Consumer tastes are becoming more sophisticated, and Ohioans continue to trade up buying more of the premium products,” said David Goodman, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce.

[[In-content Ad]]“Better product selection and improved inventory management are key to meeting the needs of our consumers, without encouraging increased consumption.”

For the second consecutive year, wholesale dollar sales (liquor purchased by retail permit holders such as restaurants, bars and clubs) showed strong growth. Total wholesale sales in 2012 reached $257.8 million, an increase of 5.7% over last year.

“Strong wholesale indicates positive growths in Ohio’s economy as Ohioans are again patronizing restaurants and entertainment businesses,” Goodman said.

Dollar sales grew at a higher rate than consumption in 2012. The Division sold a total of 11.9 million gallons of spirituous liquor through its 464 Contract Liquor Agencies, an increase of 4.2% over the previous year.

The following were the top 10 selling brands of spirituous liquor in Ohio for 2012 (by gallons sold):

1. Kamchatka Vodka – 364,914 gallons
2. Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey – 355,068 gallons
3. Bacardi Superior Light Rum – 287,378 gallons
4. Absolut Vodka – 281,898 gallons
5. Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey – 281,295 gallons
6. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum – 279,512 gallons
7. Smirnoff Vodka – 271,204 gallons
8. Jagermeister – 256,526 gallons
9. Black Velvet Canadian Whiskey – 231,888 gallons
10. Korski Vodka – 229,404 gallons

Spirituous liquor is intoxicating liquor containing more than 21% alcohol by volume.