Liquor Group Enjoys Increases in Control States Sales

Jacksonville, FL – April 1, 2011 – Liquor Group Wholesale (Publicly Traded: LIQR) has monitored a trend develop in their Control State Territories.  Just as shown in recently published data* during February, nine-liter spirits case sales in the Control States grew 1.7% compared to same month last year sales. Rolling-twelve month volumes were up 2.1% against the 2.3% growth rate reported for January. The portion of sales represented by Liquor Group products from these overall figures has increased into the double digits, with overall growth rates reported:

Maine, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming reported growth rates exceeding their twelve month trends.  Control state shelf dollars grew at 2.5% during February while trending at 2.8% during the past twelve months. Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia reported growth rates that equaled, or exceeded, their twelve month trends.

The effect of brand mix on value growth during February was 0.8%, up from January's 0.5%.

During February Irish whiskey, with 0.6% share of the control states spirits market, was the fastest growing category with growth of 19.0% reported and a twelve month trend of 19.4%. Vodka, with 34% share, grew during the same periods at 5.0% and 5.2%. The growth rates reported for Brandy/Cognac, Canadian Whiskey, and Tequila equaled, or exceeded, their twelve-month trends.

February's nine-liter case wine sales grew at 2.5%, up from January's 2.3%, with Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Utah, Montgomery County Maryland, and Wyoming reporting 2.0%, 4.3%, 4.0%, 7.3%, -0.4%, and 0.3%, respectively. Rolling-twelve month wine volumes grew 2.8%, down slightly from last month's 2.9%.

The growth rates of all categories - Brandy/Cognac, Canadian, Cocktails, Cordials, Domestic Whiskey, Gin, Irish Whiskey, Rum, Scotch, Tequila, and Vodka - exceeded their twelve-month trends.  The data concurs with and reinforces the outlook of the overall market by management at Liquor Group, as they continue to enjoy increased sales and distribution depth in both License and Controlled States.

*Source: National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA)