48
Headline:
New Year Brings Mixed Bag of Price Changes for Alcohol at Vinmonopolet
Introduction:
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many of us will be reaching for a drink to toast the new year. But wine lovers in particular may want to check their wallets before they pop the cork, as Vinmonopolet’s new price list shows a mix of price increases and decreases for popular products.
Body:
-
Price Increase Summary:
- Around 70% of products will remain the same price or decrease, while the rest will increase in price.
- Overall, prices at Vinmonopolet will increase by 0.8% due to inflation adjustments to alcohol tax and changes in packaging tax.
- Approximately 12,500 products will increase in price, with only 401 seeing an increase of over 100 kroner.
-
Biggest Winners and Losers:
- Most Expensive Increase: An Italian red wine, "Giacomo Conterno Barbera d’Alba Vigna Cerretta," will see a price hike of 190% to 3,090 kroner per bottle. Despite the increase, it remains part of Vinmonopolet’s selected range, meaning it must be ordered.
- Biggest Price Drop: A French red wine, "Dom. de l’Arlot Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru," will become 3,815 kroner cheaper, slashed from 8,815 to 4,930 kroner per bottle.
-
Category Changes:
- Most Increased: Harahorn Gin & Tonic in the basic range will see the highest percentage increase among basic products.
- Most Decreased: The French white wine "Michel Riesling Spätlese Feinherb" will experience the largest percentage decrease in the basic range.
- Vinmonopolet’s Role and Sales:
- Vinmonopolet, a state-owned enterprise, is not tasked with maximizing profits but rather with promoting responsible alcohol sales. Price changes are primarily driven by inflation, packaging tax changes, and supply chain factors.
- Despite a 4% decrease in sales this year, total sales remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
- Projections suggest sales will decrease further in 2024, with red wine (-6%), white wine (-2%), and spirits (-4%) all experiencing declines. However, alcohol-free beverages will see an 18% increase in sales.
Conclusion:
As Norwegians gear up for the holidays, it’s a good idea to check Vinmonopolet’s new price list to see how your favorite tipple will be affected. With a mix of price increases and decreases, there are sure to be some bargains and surprises in store.
