Oregon 2013-15 liquor sales top record $1 billion
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission announced Tuesday that distilled spirits sales in Oregon are higher than ever, generating more than $1 billion in gross revenue for the 2013-2015 biennium.
That is nearly $90 million (8 percent) more than the previous biennium (2011-2013). About 5.8 million cases of distilled spirits were shipped to Oregon liquor stores from OLCC’s Milwaukie warehouse during the biennium.
“In Oregon, we pride ourselves on having a great selection of more than 2,000 spirits products that are available at any liquor store across the state,” said Steven Marks, OLCC Executive Director. “We encourage innovative business models and look forward to continued successes for Oregon’s wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries.”
The growth in sales is not necessarily attributed to consumers purchasing more spirits. Sales and distribution statistics indicate that an improvement in the economy, customers purchasing more expensive products, and Oregon’s population growth are likely the driving factors in the increase.
Distilled spirits sales makes up 96 percent of the total gross revenue collected by the OLCC. Other sources of income the OLCC collects include: tax on beer and wine (3%), license fees and miscellaneous income (1%).
Profits benefit Oregon’s schools, police and health care programs.There were $435.5 million distributed over the biennium, over half to the state revenue fund and the rest to cities, mental health, alcoholism and drug services and the Oregon Wine Board.
