According to IBISWorld, liquor retail sales are expected to grow by approximately 3.4 per cent this Christmas, compared to last year. A positive forecast, as Christmas retail spending across the board, is set to remain flat this December, growing by only 0.4 per cent on last year’s sales as consumers "tighten their belts."

Early indications suggest Australians are becoming more frugal this December, which will be reflected in an increased interest in early sales, deep discounting and bargains.

"IBISWorld expects that discounting will characterise Christmas 2016, with price-conscious consumers being more discerning with their spending," said Nick Tarrant, IBISWorld Senior Industry Analyst.

A busy time for the liquor retail industry, with approximately 13 per cent of Australian yearly retail liquor sales made in December, as consumers buy products for Christmas dinners and as gifts for friends, according to IBISWorld.

"Rising health consciousness and declining per capita alcohol consumption are forecast to constrain growth," said Nick Tarrant, IBISWorld Senior Industry Analyst. "Growth in product categories such as cider is anticipated to offset weakness among segments such as beer and spirits. Domestic demand for cider is expected to grow by approximately 6 per cent in 2016-17, and sales generally spike over the summer season."

Liquor retailing is anticipated to make $1.8 billion over Christmas. Liquor is trumped by department stores, which is expected to bring in the most amount of money during the period ($2.9 billion). This is followed by online shopping ($1.9 billion), electronic goods and retailing ($1.5 billion), recreational goods ($1.02 billion) and jewellery and watch retailing ($452 million).

BEST SELLING CATEGORIES

Beer

Off-premise packaged beer is growing in value, at 3.9 per cent MAT, ahead of volume which is growing at 2.0 per cent.

Hottest Segments (in dollars growth MAT)

Craft Australian - 24.2 per cent

Craft International - 10.7 per cent

Low Carb - 11.4 per cent

Mid Strength – 10 per cent

And check out Ginger Beer - 15.5 per cent

Cider

Off-premise packaged cider is growing in value, at 8.1 per cent MAT, with volume growing at 9.4 per cent.

Hottest Segments (in dollars growth MAT)

Fruit Flavoured - 15.8 per cent

Apple - 7.9 per cent

Spirits

Off-premise packaged glass spirits are growing in value, at 4.2 per cent MAT, ahead of volume, which is growing at 2.6 per cent.

Hottest Segments (in dollars growth MAT)

Cognac - 22.7 per cent

Gin - 18.4 per cent

Other Whisky (not Scotch or Bourbon) - 13.6 per cent

Tequila - 11.3 per cent

Wine

Off-premise packaged wine is growing in value, at 4.8 per cent, ahead of volume which is growing at 3.1 per cent.

Hottest Segments (in dollars growth MAT)

It’s all about rosé, rosé, rosé! Within 'Red Bottled' (numbers below) is the rosé segment, which is growing at 24.3 per cent in value and 15.5 per cent in volume; clearly the star performer.

Red Bottled - 8.9 per cent

Sparkling Wine - 7.3 per cent