App shows Miami bought more booze as coronavirus loomed

Conventional wisdom tells us when we are stressed, we often turn to alcohol for relief. And we don’t mean the kind of alcohol you have been rubbing maniacally on your doorknobs.

But is that true here in Miami and around the country as we struggle through the coronavirus pandemic?

Ibotta seems to think it is.

The free shopping platform, which offers cash-back rewards, has analyzed 33.5 million grocery receipts from shoppers around the country, starting in mid January 2020. Remember mid-January 2020? It was the best of times. Paper towels and hand sanitizer were abundant. Frozen vegetables existed. We could complain about traffic and indulge in long-forgotten joys like empanadas and omakase and never wonder for a moment where our next craft cocktail was coming from (hint: now it’s being delivered).

But now it’s April, and here’s what Ibotta has discovered about consumer purchases: In March, nationwide, sales of vodka increased 50 percent. Sales of domestic beer increased 48 percent. Tequila increased 42 percent.

In Miami, in early March, there was a 54 percent increase in overall alcohol sales. Either Miami was getting ready to get its St. Patrick’s Day on in a big way or smart shoppers were stocking up on booze at the first signs of trouble.

Ibotta also reports that in February, Miami residents were buying more wine than any other alcohol. (Note: reports that Miami.com staff preferences had anything to do with this are greatly exaggerated.) But in March, Miami started buying more beer than wine —a nd did so all month.

We don’t know what’s going on with you, Miami, but we respect your urge to be prepared.

Ibotta’s research also showed that ever-procrastinating Miami actually leaned on its impressive hurricane preparation skills to stock up on food in March. Canned and ready-to-eat meals sales rose by 197 percent. Tuna and other seafood? 139 percent. Frozen rolls and wraps increased 132 percent and instant potatoes — instant potatoes! — increased by 132 percent, even more than pasta, which rose by 123 percent.

We’re a little surprised by those instant potatoes, but we feel you.

By mid March, though, Ibotta reports, people apparently felt stocked up and stepped up their buying on the one thing almost as important as booze: Sweets. Dessert sales rose 31 percent.