‘Euro 2016 effect’ pushes up Iceland booze sales

Sales in Icelandic alcohol stores were 7.3% higher this summer than in the summer of 2015, with the good weather and the Euro 2016 football finals thought to be in part responsible.

In the period from 1 June to 14 August, Icelanders quaffed their way through over 5.3 million litres of alcohol, as compared to just under 5 million litres last year. As in 2015, the lion’s share of this was lager – just under 4 million litres this summer.

The biggest increase was in sales of mixed drinks (+23.7%) and sparkling wine/champagne (+14.4%).

The Icelandic State has a monopoly on retail sales of alcohol, which is only available in specific State-run outlets operating under the ‘Vínbúðin’ brand.

A Vínbúðin alcohol store. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Eggert Jóhannesson