[THE INVESTOR] As the sweltering hot weather continues, beer sales are hiking up.

The sales of beer this month increased 10 percent from the same period last year, boasting the most popularity among spirits and liquors, according to a data released by the nation’s largest retailer Emart.

“Beers are the most popular since they are relatively low in alcohol and offer a variety of choices at low prices,” said Shin Geun-jung head of alcoholic beverages at Emart.

Convenience stores are also seeing a hike in beer sales, up 17.5 percent on-year, according to major chain CU which said the younger customers are increasingly looking for imported beers.

Sales of wine declined by 2.6 percent at the discount store chain but those to be enjoyed cool, such as sparkling wine, rose 12 percent. Carbonated fruit-flavored soju made it as one of the top ten best-selling liquors for the first time at Emart, and also largely contributed to the 15.5 percent increase in soju sales at CU.

“As the heat wave continues to hit the nation in full force, the sale of liquors and spirits with refreshing sensation is going strong,” added Shin.

By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)