Liquor sales see record profits at Mecklenburg ABC stores and one brand is leading them

By Catherine Muccigrosso

Updated July 7, 2023 4:45 PM

Mecklenburg County liquor store sales spiked last fiscal year to a record $59 million in profits, with the most popular liquor being Tito’s vodka again.

Mecklenburg County ABC Board lists the most popular products in its recently released annual report, ranked by dollar sales, from the last fiscal year available (2022). The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.

Also in the report, Mecklenburg County liquor store sales spiked to nearly $59 million in gross profits in fiscal year 2022, an increase of $7 million from 2021, which had the prior record $52 million in sales.

Liquor store sales have continued to rise over the past four years, with a 41.8% gross profit increase this year compared to 2018, according to the report. Gross profits increased over 13.2% last year compared to 2021, the report shows.

And this year, Mecklenburg County’s ABC Board plans to pilot an online ordering and curbside pickup system, according to the report. Such a move could also help boost sales.

The top four spots on the list of 10 most purchased brands repeated in 2022 the 2021 results:

Texas-based Tito’s vodka made the latest list three times as the No. 1 seller at 0.75-liter bottle, No. 3 at 1.75-liter and No. 8 at 1 liter. Mecklenburg ABC saw a total of over $18.8 million of Tito’s sold during the 2022 fiscal year.

Patron Silver tequila is the runner-up again, and Hennessy VS (cognac) maintained fourth place.

Back on the list in 2022 are Crown Royal and Maker’s Mark.