Vodka and gin were the biggest winners

Spirits turnover was HUF 72 billion in December 2008-November 2009 – but only two types managed to expand in terms of both value and volume: vodka (by 8 and 2 percent) and gin (by 15 and 9 percent). Bitter sales surpassed HUF 15 billion in value (up 1 percent); producer brands were strong as private labels’ share was a mere 4 percent. Average price per litre grew to HUF 3,618. Pálinka and pálinka-type spirits neared HUF 15 billion in sales (up 1 percent).Turnover in the premium segment grew considerably. Average price per litre increased to HUF 2,945. Private labels value share remained 13 percent. Vodka sales topped HUF 11 billion; the medium-priced segment was up from 45 to 47 percent. Brandy sales were down but the market still exceeded HUF 9 billion. Whiskey and liqueur sales topped an annual HUF 7 billion and HUF 6 billion, respectively. Rum sales went above HUF 3 billion, while gin grew so much that it exceeded the HUF 5 billion limit in value sales in the examined period.