Virginia ABC Earns $8.01 Million in Gross Sales in Fiscal Year 2014

The Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) saw its 16th consecutive record-setting year for sales in fiscal year 2014, with gross wholesale and retail sales topping $801 million, nearly 4 percent higher than last year.

The agency, which runs 350 ABC stores throughout the Commonwealth, said profits rose to $140 million in the fiscal year ending June 30. After state taxes, sales taxes and wine and beer taxes, Virginia ABC was able to transfer $387 million into Virginia’s general fund, up $17 million from last year. Since 1934, the agency has contributed more than $8.6 billion to Virginia’s general fund.

Retail sales grew 4.7 percent and sales to restaurants increased 1.6 percent from fiscal year 2013. Sales of wine cases, spirits and non-alcoholic mixers increased by 2 percent to about 4.38 million cases, or 52 million bottles.

Jack Daniel’s 7 Black remained ABC’s top-selling brand, followed by Smirnoff 80, Jim Beam and Grey Goose. Sales of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey saw a 105 percent increase ($8.2 million) compared with last year’s sales.

Image: Wikimedia Commons