HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) recently unveiled its Fiscal Year 2022-23 Annual Report. This comprehensive document sheds light on the agency’s operations, financial results, sales trends, and most favored products.
At the heart of this report, we find revealing statistics and in-depth insights about how the agency functions and where the revenue it generates is directed. In simple terms, this data serves as a playbook of the PLCB, offering a comprehensive view of the organization’s workings.
A highly significant revelation from the report is that retail sales spiked to a whopping $2.2 billion, marking a 3.5% surge from the last fiscal year. Of these, high demand was particularly seen for tequila, ready-to-drink beverages, and whiskey, all witnessing substantial dollar gains year-over-year.
In a digital age where e-commerce sales are increasingly gaining prominence, the PLCB reported a refined performance. With a steady rise of 6.8%, e-commerce sales reached a total of $14.5 million. Despite a minimal decrease in transactions by 0.4%, the value of the average transaction climbed by 7.1% over FY 2021-22, while the average price per item saw a 7.8% boost.
The product categories sketch a pattern of consumer preferences across the state. Unflavored vodka emerged as the top spirits choice in 43 counties, while the remaining 24 counties favored American whiskey. As for wine lovers, California cabernet sauvignon and box red wine were the most popular choices.
The highest sales volume was seen in Allegheny, Philadelphia, and Montgomery, collectively accounting for a third of the state’s total sales.
The report further detailed how PLCB funds are distributed, with over $869.7 million being allocated to the Pennsylvania General Fund and other state and local government beneficiaries in the past fiscal year. This financial transparency serves as a cornerstone in the agency’s attributes of responsibility and accountability.
The report also outlined key information regarding store operations, the launch of a customer service training program for store leadership, and efforts to enhance in-store tasting experiences.
The first year of the Special Order direct delivery was also highlighted, accounting for more than a third of such transactions with licensees.
Pertinent updates about Project New Horizon, PLCB’s initiative to modernize its technology infrastructure, and a breakdown of over 87,000 processed liquor license and permit applications were also included.
The report concluded by mentioning the PLCB’s efforts to curb and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through education. Highlighting the annual “Broadening Our Awareness” conference and the award-winning ‘Know When. Know How’ campaign indicates the agency’s commitment to alcohol safety.
In essence, this Annual Report highlights the significant role the PLCB plays in Pennsylvania’s liquor operations and the broader economy. By sharing operations, financials, and emerging trends in an easily understandable narrative, the agency ensures transparency and fosters a greater sense of trust with the community it serves.
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