Alcohol sale spikes during ‘Undas’—Study

Grief in remembering the departed loved ones of Filipinos during Undas is making the sale of alcoholic beverages in most communities, according to a study by Packworks, a startup company that provides a business-to-business platform for sari-sari stores.

Many people worldwide turn to alcohol when coping with grief, usually from watching a loved one pass on, breaking up with a partner, or dealing with a personal or financial loss.

However, on some occasions, alcohol is widely considered something that makes people feel good and elevates their mood.

Filipinos have found a way to incorporate both into the holiday commemorating their departed loved ones.

Packworks Sari IQ finds that sales of alcoholic beverages jumped up to 14.29 percent from 31 October to 2 November 2021 from 11.10 percent from 1 to 30 October 2021.

The data sets compare a month of a typical day's worth of market share to the three-day Undas holiday last year.

"This is expected as Filipinos consider 'Undas as a time to remember loved ones in a social context, meaning a lot of gatherings that revolve the consumption of alcoholic beverages is common," Packworks chief data officer Andres Montiel said.