Alcohol sales at Irish off-licences and supermarkets increased by 44% to €49.3 million over the Easter period 2020 versus 2019, research showed.
According to a new research conducted by Nielsen biggest growth was seen in stout which spiked by 177% during Easter week during Easter week ending 12 April compared to Easter week ending 21 April, 2019.
Strong growth was also seen in lager which grew by 78% to €15.3 million, table wines which grew by 27% to €15.6 million, and sparkling wine and champagne which grew by 21% to €1.1 million.
Overall Alcohol Sales
However, Drinks Ireland has said that overall alcohol sales have fallen by approximately 30% in Ireland since COVID-19-related business restrictions were introduced, according to industry estimates.
'The on-trade, that is all pubs, restaurants and hotels, usually account for 55% of total alcohol sales and they are completely closed,' the Ibec group that represents drinks manufacturers, brand owners and distributors on the island of Ireland said.
In addition, the global closure of the on-trade has imposed severe commercial pressures on businesses in the Irish drinks industry, who typically export €1.4 billion of products annually.
"The hospitality sector has been hit hard by this pandemic, with jobs at risk and livelihoods shattered as a result of the on-trade being closed,"said Patricia Callan, director, Drinks Ireland.
"The drinks industry is doing its part to help this sector, making donations to support unemployed bar workers. It has also joined the national effort to respond to the COVID-19 crisis in many different ways, including through producing sanitising products."
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