Vijayawada: Even as the state government keeps urging people to stay indoors, avoid the scorching sun and drink plenty of fluids, many tipplers appear to have interpreted the advisory in their own way — by reaching out for chilled beer bottles. With Andhra Pradesh reeling under one of the harshest summers in recent years, beer sales are foaming up at a record pace, turning the intense heatwave into an unexpectedly busy season for liquor outlets and bars. From crowded counters in the evenings to fast-emptying refrigerator racks, beer has quietly become the preferred survival companion for many battling the relentless heat.
Record-breaking sales figures
Official figures reveal that beer sales in April registered a sharp 31.4% increase compared to April last year, with sales climbing from 22.73 lakh cases in April 2025 to 29.88 lakh cases this April. The trend has further accelerated in May, closely following the rising mercury levels. During the first 22 days of the month, sales surged by over 35%, touching 22.21 lakh cases against 16.42 lakh cases during the same period last year.
Reasons behind the spike
Excise officials attribute the spike largely to soaring temperatures and prolonged heatwave conditions across the state. With temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in several districts, and nights offering little relief, consumers are increasingly preferring chilled beer over hard liquor. Retail outlets and bars are witnessing heavy footfall as people step out in search of some respite from the punishing heat. Weekend demand has been particularly strong in urban centres, where social gatherings and late-night outings are contributing to brisk sales.
Changing consumer preferences
Industry analysts say the summer surge also reflects changing consumer preferences, especially among younger urban consumers who increasingly prefer lighter alcoholic beverages during hot weather conditions. Excise officials expect the momentum to continue through the remaining summer weeks if the current heatwave conditions persist, making beer one of the unlikely winners of Andhra Pradesh’s blistering summer season.
