Vodka production remains low

The Polish vodka sector didn't bounce back after the 2014 increase of exempt tax. Between January and October 2015, 665,000 liters of vodka were produced, a decline of nine percent compared with the same period in 2013. Entrepreneurs claim that growing imports of methylated spirit from Hungary indicate that lower production is offset by alcohol made in grey economy. "After a record decline in 2014, the sector hoped the vodka production will reach the 2013 level. After the first nine months, it is evident that it won't be possible. We haven't gained stability after a dramatic increase of exempt tax in 2014," said Leszek Wiwała, head of the sector entrepreneurs' union. "In 2014, imports of methylated spirit from Hungary grew by 1000 percent and the trend persists. Illegal alcohol is up to four-five times cheaper than the one you buy in a shop," Wiwała added. In January 2014, the exempt tax on spirits grew by 15 percent.