Soju: A Growing Demand In NC

Dear NC ABC Board Commision,

I would like to first thank you for taking your time in reading this letter. Our great state, North Carolina, has been experiencing dynamic changes, demographically and economically, over the last several years. Rapid population growths in several parts of the state, especially areas in and around Wake County, lead to several citiesЇ growth and urbanization. As populations become diverse, it is evident that daily life and consumer shopping patterns have shifted.

I am writing to you today to discuss about a nationally and globally recognized alcoholic beverage known as Soju. In a Buiness Week article, Asian Booze Brands Outsell Western Alcohol author Frederik Balfour, writes top selling liquor brands in the world according to London-based IWSR , a wine and spirit research and consultancy firm. The gold medal goes to KoreaЇs Jinro soju, which racked up sales of 72 million cases of the fiery liquor.

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/blog/eyeonasia/archives/2008/08/heres_quick_qui.html

There are currently two types of soju being sold in North Carolina, 62092 and 62115. Both of these items are special order items and a consumer must wait anywhere from 4-6 weeks to be able to enjoy this beverage. After speaking with several people who share the same concern as mine, we would like to ask that these items be readily available at ABC stores.

Another alternative would be to model after California and New York liquor licensing laws and allowing the sale of soju by establishments licensed to sell beer and wine. This has been proven to be effective economically since 2002.

http://articles.latimes.com/2002/jun/27/news/wk-club27

In conclusion, soju is a beverage that is wanted by the masses but is not readily available here in North Carolina. In states not too far from here, Virginia and Georgia, soju is readily available at their liquor establishments and even in grocery stores. We would like soju to be readily available on the shelves at liquor establishments here in North Carolina.