Grocery and beer sales are expected to spike during April as Khmer New Year preparations ramp up, retail industry officials said yesterday.

Hy Ramy, managing director of HRM (Cambodia) Group, a food and beverage distribution company specialising in canned foods, condiments and beverages, said he expects sales to increase 20 to 30 per cent during April.

Beer sales are expected to double during the three-day holiday and contribute most of the month’s estimated spending increase, he said.

“Many distribution depots are preparing to supply mostly beer because the demand of other goods has not increased much,” he said.

Despite predictions that sales will be down 20 per cent from those during Chinese New Year festivities in January, Ramy said Khmer New Year is still a major money earner for companies.

Sov Sokny, sales and marketing representative for Cambrew, a major producer of Angkor brand beer, said sales volumes had increased steadily each year during the Khmer New Year period. On average, Sokhy said he sells about 400,000 boxes of beer per month in Phnom Penh alone. This month, he said he expects to sell 600,000 boxes.