Off-sales beer prices up nearly 12%

The increasing price of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco in the off-trade were among the most notable annual price increases in April according to the Consumer Price Index from the Central Statistics Office.

The off-sales price of alcoholic beverages rose 4.0% over the 12-month period to the end of April 2022. This comprised a 7.7% rise in spirits prices, a 2.2% drop in wine prices and an 11.7% rise in beer prices.

Compared to March, alcoholic beverage prices in the off-trade fell by 1.5%. This comprised a 1% drop in spirits prices, a 3.1% drop in wine prices and a 0.2% rise in beer prices.

In the on-trade prices in licensed premises were up by 4.1% over the year comprising a 5.3% rise in spirits prices, a 4.1% rise in wine prices, a 4.0% rise in beer prices and a 3.5% rise in soft drinks & mineral water prices.

Comparing April with the preceding month, March, the CPI indicates that licensed premises prices rose by 0.6% comprising a 0.8% rise in spirits and wine prices, a 0.6% rise in beer prices and a 0.3% rise in soft drinks & mineral water prices.

According to the CSO, Restaurants & Hotel annual prices rose due to higher prices for alcoholic drinks and food consumed in licensed premises, restaurants, cafes etc and an increase in the cost of hotel accommodation.

Prices overall rose by 7.0% in the year to April.