Although December and the last months of the year are still the period of higher consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Dominican Republicofficial data and statements from the private sector coincide in pointing out a trend towards moderation and slowdown in both consumption and imports during recent years.
The Dominican Association of Rum Producers (Adoptron) reported that, according to data from the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII), consumption of locally produced alcohol grew just 0.9% in 2024, and is projected to contract by 1% by 2025, confirming a downward trend in sales, even during the Christmas season.
The analysis of Adoptron It also shows important changes in the composition of the market. While rum, historically the drink of higher consumptionmaintains a downward trend, the local whiskey has steadily gained ground, with cumulative growth of more than 300% since 2015, especially displacing low-priced rums. Meanwhile, beer has remained stable in recent years. According to the union, this recomposition is related to economic and tax factors.
According to the data of the DGIIthe accumulated revenue from rum and other alcohol-derived products for the period January-December 2024 reached 9,216.3 million pesosrepresenting a reduction of 3.5%, that is, 337.2 million less compared to the same period in 2023.
“The commercial sector is very concerned about the reduction in the consumption of alcoholic beverages”FDC President
The Dominican Federation of Merchants (FDC) also observes a significant reduction in sales in the sector. Your president, Ivan Garciaexplained that imports and consumption of alcoholic beverages have fallen between 15% and 17%, depending on the category, and that wine, which was the fastest growing beverage in the last decade, could remain stagnant or fall between 5% and 7%.
“He problem is the lack of money in the pockets of consumer”he pointed out.
Although December usually boosts sales due to festivities and payment of taxes salary 13the leader warned that many consumers will use that money to pay debts, so the rebound could be limited.
Data of the General Directorate of Customs indicate that, between January and August 2025, the imported quantities of alcoholic beverages totalized 52.67 million litersa decrease of 7.98% compared to the same period in 2024. Despite the reduction in volume, the imported value amounted to 178.17 million dollars, a slight increase of 0.95%, reflecting an increase in prices and a greater preference for mid- and high-range products.
