Rum do as spirits get price hike

THE UK’s top-selling spirits have soared in price, new research shows.

Hikes as high as 16 per cent have been introduced on a wide range of our famous brands, according to trade magazine the Grocer.

Vodka is up by five per cent on average compared with last year and some brands have seen doubledigit price rises. Major supplier Pernod Ricar Ricard is blaming Brexi Brexit for price increas creases. A 700ml bottle of Pernod Rica Ricard-owned Absolute Vodka Blue is six per cent dearer at £17.

A 700ml bottle of Diageo-owned Smirnoff Red Label vodka is up 11 per cent to £ £14.70, while B Bacardiowned Grey Goose is up 15 per cent to £39.07.

Gin is three per cent dearer on average. A litre of Bombay Sapphire is up 16 per cent at £24.20. Gordon’s Special Dry Gin is 12per cent dearer, at £15.10 for 700ml.

Rum price rises average three per cent, with a litre of Bacardi Superior now 15 per cent more expensive at £18.90 and 700ml of Captain Morgan Spiced Gold Rum up 11 per cent to £15.63.

Whisky also costs more. Bell’s Scotch is up 12 per cent to £15.40 for 700ml and Jameson Irish whiskey is four per cent dearer for 350ml at £12.50.

The data came from analysts Brand View.

The Wine and Spirit Trade Association has warned that spirits businesses faces a “tough trading landscape”, not helped by Chancellor Philip Hammond increasing alcohol duty.

Beer, lager and cider prices also rose in January. Brewers cited “significant” cost challenges.