New year champagne sales on the up an encouraging sign for the Australian economy

ALCOHOL consumption in Australia is the lowest it’s been for many years, so strong champagne sales point to a prosperous 2016.

Champagne sales good sign for economy

BOTTLE SHOP owners are preparing to toast a very happy new year this evening with revellers spending big on champagne which could bode well for the economy in 2016.

Managing director of Sydney liquor retailer Camperdown Cellars, Rip Viropoulos, told news.com.au New Year’s Eve was the second busiest trading day of the year behind Christmas Eve. But while at Christmas shoppers were looking for a range of drops, from beer for themselves to spirits for others, at new year there was primarily one product on people’s mind.

“It’s all about champagne” he said. “And by champagne, I mean French champagne.”

Yesterday, Mr Viropoulos had 1500 extra bottles of champagne brand Veuve Clicquot delivered for sale across Camperdown’s eight stores. They will all be gone by close of business tonight, he predicted.

Moet will be flying off the shelves, but we doubt many will drink it out of glasses this fancy.

“It’s a special occasion and people are not shy in getting a quality bottle. It’s perceived to be one of the better brands and people see it as a bit of indulgence.”

Bubbly brands, including Dom Pérignon and Moet, will easily outsell beer, Mr Viropoulos said, but for those with a taste for barley, Corona will be the number one pick.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, alcohol consumption in Australia is the lowest it’s been for many years. In 2014, 9.7 litres of alcohol were consumed per person compared to 10.6 litres in 2009. But during that time, wine (including champagne) has accounted for a greater proportion of liquor sales.

Mr Viropoulos said three times the usual number of customers would come through the doors tonight spending at least 25 per cent more than a usual busy weekend evening. But in one of his stores, close to the many apartments with grandstand views of Sydney’s fireworks, there will be a top seller which isn’t alcoholic at all.

“At our Neutral Bay store we do something we don’t have anywhere else and that’s two pallet loads of ice outside which people take to New Year’s Eve parties near the harbour.”

Punters going doolally for Dom and mad for Moet is an encouraging sign for the economy, Mr Viropoulos said, with sales up on this time last year.

“When times are tough, the luxuries go first so you might skip that $30 wine and go to a $10 wine. But people buying quality champagne 2015 has been an improvement on 2014.

“My experience is that when the economy is a little more buoyant people do spend a little bit more. It follows it almost directly.”

Corona is tipped to be the best selling beer at new year.

National liquor chain Dan Murphy’s has also experienced an uptick in bubbly sales.

“Our sparkling and champagne sales approximately increase by more than 30 per cent against an average week in the lead up to New Year’s Eve. In addition, our premium brands such as vintage champagne prove particularly popular with sales increasing by more than 50 per cent,” a spokesman told news.com.au.

APERITIFS

French rose is also proving to be a New Year’s must at Dan Murphy’s with sales up 60 per cent while aperitifs such as Pimm’s and Campari are walking out the door.

According to Commonwealth Bank, debit and credit card transactions, which fall off a cliff after Christmas Eve despite the Boxing Day sales, steadily increase in the run up to New Year’s Eve’s as party goers get supplies in.

Liquor purchases put on bank cards are seven per cent higher in December compared to other months, the bank said.

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY

Police have said they won’t tolerate any drunken behaviour during the new year celebrations.

“By all means, enjoy yourself, but do it responsibly. The community won’t tolerate anti-social behaviour and nor will we,” Victoria’s Deputy Police Commissioner Andrew Crisp said.

The warning comes as data from Western Australian police showed the average number of assaults per hour was more than eight times higher after dark on New Year’s Eve than on other nights in December and January, reported the West Australian.

NSW Police reminded revellers alcohol was banned at all Sydney Harbour vantage points.

“Police will act swiftly to deter and stop behaviour that threatens to ruin the night for everyone else,” Assistant Commissioner Michael Fuller said.

“In particular, we will be targeting anti-social and criminal behaviour associated with drinking too much alcohol.

“Alcohol impairs your ability to make sensible decisions. Drunken violence will not be tolerated; nor will drink driving — whether it’s on the roads or the water.”

— with AAP