Premium outlet at Vyttila Metro station a new ‘high’ for Bevco

Kochi: As mercury soars rapidly, collective craving of Kochiites for a chilled reprieve becomes almost palpable, as can be evident by the "whopping" sales at the pilot premium outlet of Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) at Vyttila Metro station.Just two months after the launch of High Spirits… A Bevco Boutique, sales proceeds of the fully air-conditioned outlet have soared to an average Rs 30 lakh a day during weekends and Rs 12.5 lakh during weekdays.True scale of the outlet's popularity became evident during Easter festivities. On the eve of the holiday, the outlet recorded a staggering turnover, touching Rs 54-lakh mark in a single day."This was way beyond our expectations. Now we are going to set up an automatic beer vending machine there within a week. Consumers can get chilled beer cans by scanning QR code and paying for the same," said regional manager Anoop R.The most demand is that of beer, sale proceeds of which crosses Rs 2-lakh mark on weekends, followed by foreign made liquor. Beer prices start at Rs 130, as the bottle is priced at Rs 180 and can at Rs 270. Foreign-made (imported) Johnnie Walker Blue Label scotch whisky costs around Rs 30,000 per 750 ml bottle.Bevco has plans to open another outlet at Vadakkekotta Metro station. "We have started the process, like applying for licence, but the same will take a little more time," the official added.Bevco launched its super premium liquor outlet, biggest in the state, at Vyttila Metro station, on Feb 20 where consumers can buy premium brands without the hassle of congested retail spots.The 4,600-sqm outlet is located at public access area on the ground floor of the Metro station, and has a capacity to store up to 7,000 liquor cases.Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) and Bevco signed an agreement to start premium liquor outlets at Vyttila and Vadakkekotta stations in April 2025. KMRL is leasing out commercial spaces at Metro stations and Water Metro terminals as part of enhancing non-revenue income.High Spirits is the third super premium outlet launched by Bevco after the ones in Thrissur and Kozhikode. Authorities expect increased ridership for Kochi Metro following the outlet opening."A customer can purchase up to three litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), two litres of Foreign Made Foreign Liquor (FMFL) and 3.5 litres of beer. Store will remain open from 10am to 9pm," an official said.Consumers are permitted to carry sealed liquor bottles on Metro trains, however public alcohol consumption or travelling with opened liquor bottles is strictly prohibited, sources said.Vyttila is the busiest transit hub in the state, serving as intersection for Kochi Metro, Water Metro and bus terminal.