IWSR reports 2.5% increase in total travel retail spirits sales for 2018

INTERNATIONAL. The IWSR has reported overall spirits volume and value in travel retail grew 2.5% in 2018 to reach 24.5 million nine-litre cases and a value of US$9.2 billion.

Growth for the category was led by Japanese whisky (+20%), gin (+15%), Scotch whisky (+4.9%) and US whiskey (+4.3%).

The IWSR predicted that travel retail volume for spirits will grow by 2% each year meaning the category will reach almost US$10.4 billion by 2023. The growth will be led by cane spirits (+6.7%), Japanese whisky (+6.4%) and gin (+6.2%).  Africa & the Middle East (+3.6%) is expected to see the strongest growth of all the regions. From a regional perspective, Africa & the Middle East (+3.6%) will lead the way followed by Asia Pacific (+2.4%), the Americas (+2.3%) and Europe (+1.2%).

IWSR Drinks Market Analysis Travel Retail Research Director Sandra Newman said: “Spirits growth in travel retail softened slightly in 2018, compared with the year before, but the positive news here for duty-free operators and spirits suppliers is that the channel continues to perform well.”

From a brand perspective, Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker reinforced its status as the top-selling brand in travel retail by growing 7.8% in 2018. The top five was completed by Jack Daniel’s, Chivas, Absolut and Hennessy.

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