Spirits outsell wine as PLCB reports ‘record’ sales

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) reported a ‘record’ 2014/15 fiscal year, with spirits out-selling wine.

Jack Daniel’s No.7 Tennessee Whiskey was the best-selling alcoholic beverage in Pennsylvania in 2014-15

In its annual fiscal report, PLCB revealed sales of wines and spirits including sales and liquor taxes from July 2014 to July 2015 grew 4.2% compared to the previous year, reaching a record US$2.34 billion.

This boosted the PLCB’s return to the Pennsylvania General Fund and state Treasury, including US$334.4m in liquor tax, US$130.2m in state sales tax and US$80m in operational profits, which were transferred to the General Fund.

Vodka was the top-selling spirits category in Pennsylvania with sales reaching just under US$262.1m, followed by Bourbon at US$126.78m and flavoured vodka at US$104.54m.

In terms of products, Jack Daniel’s Old Number 7 Tennessee Whiskey was the most popular spirit brand, followed by Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey and Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum.

“Our commitment to rebranding and better locating Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores continued over the past year,” wrote PLCB Board members Tim Holden, chairman, Joseph E. Brion, member and Michael Negra, member. “We completed a record 28 store upgrades to new and existing locations.

“The more convenient locations…more inviting and comfortable atmospheres for shopping and more robust product information at these stores is helping us to improve in-store consumer experiences day by day, store by store.

“We also saw exciting growth last year among Pennsylvania distilleries and wineries.

“We are proud to continue supporting these home-grown industries. By supporting these Pennsylvania businesses and featuring their products on our shelves – in attractive sections specifically designated ‘Made in Pennsylvania’ in our rebranded stores – we are helping to grow the local economy and satisfy Pennsylvanians’ interest in buying local.”