Wine finds favour this season; sales up

CHANDIGARH: Prices of beer and IMFL have gone up by 20-25% and the sale of almost all spirits, barring wine, has gone down by 10-15%, compared to the figures recorded in May 2010. Sale of wine has gone up due to its easy availability in storesacross the city. A senior representative of a popular wine-producingcompany, Ravinder Saini, said, ''Wine sales have increased this season. This isprobably because the rates have not risen much and domestic and internationalbrands are available in about 35 department stores.'' He said the attractivepackaging was also responsible. Another liquor store owner MukeshMittal of Sector-26 said, ''In the past two years, wine was not a popularchoice. This year has brought a smile on the faces of retailers.'' The hugestock that had piled up over the years is now selling at a faster pace. Mittalsaid this was good as wine is a more healthy drink. In April 2010, 38,68,756litres of beer were sold while in April this year, the figure was 37,32,029 ' adecrease of 1,36,727 litres. Similarly, in May 2010, the sale ofbeer was 45,89,190 litres, which came down to 44,22,457 litres this May ' a fallof 1,66, 733 litres.However, 28,24,125 litres of wine was sold inMay 2010 and this year saw sales of 33,88,950 litres ' a 20%rise.Young MNC executive Sandeep Joshi said, ''I love wine. The price of my favourite brand increased by just 10% (Rs 50). Beer and IMFL rates have soared between Rs 100-125 (25%).''