Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada’s liquor market remained largely steady in Dec, with Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) sales showing marginal growth despite a decline in beer consumption. Official data indicates that 2,36,175 boxes of IMFL were sold in Dec 2025, up slightly from 2,36,048 boxes in Dec 2024—an increase of just 127 boxes. In contrast, beer sales dipped, falling to 2,20,331 boxes from 2,23,126 boxes during the same period last year. The trend suggests a subtle shift in consumer preference rather than an overall slowdown in liquor demand.The data also pointed out that the liquor sales growth difference between April and Dec in 2024-25 and 2025-26 showed a decline of 2.1% in sales. In this period, the excise department sold 20,24,966 units of liquor, while it was 19,82,939 in 2025-26.Sources from the excise department added that sales were better in Mangaluru South and North limits; apart from that, all the other areas saw poor sales. The reasons were multiple. A senior official from the excise department added that apart from no fishing, laterite, sand mining, and arecanut cultivation activities, the Dec month, which sees flurry of functions, saw a dip from mid-month due to Moudya. “Christian events were mainly held, as Hindu community programmes were not held due to Moudya. Secondly, the flow of liquor to Kerala border areas was restricted completely due to the elections,” the official added.Sales also did not see much increase in Udupi district. TM Srinivas, deputy commissioner of the excise department in Udupi, said that they sold about 1,500 extra boxes compared to Dec 2024. “Whereas beer saw negative growth, with 2,000 fewer boxes being sold in Dec compared to last year,” he said.Liquor sales Category2024–252025–26Change (boxes)YoY (%)IMFL — December2,36,0482,36,175+127+0.1%Beer — December2,23,1262,20,331−2,795−1.3%IMFL — Apr–Dec total20,24,96619,82,939−42,027−2.1%Beer — Apr–Dec total18,46,73115,46,540−3,00,191−16.3%
