Release Date: Tuesday, December 20, 2022 (ANKENY) -- The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division released its fiscal year 2022 annual report, which reviews the agency’s finances and provides insight into functions including wholesale operations, individual products, product category, licensing, compliance, alcohol education, and where the money it generates goes. The report for Fiscal Year 2022 summarizes our many accomplishments, as well as our vision, core values, and objectives for the future,” said ABD Administrator Stephen Larson. “Our success would not be possible without the support of our employees, the Commission, and those we service and regulate.” Liquor sales topped $431 million, an increase of 3.75% over FY21. Over $150 million was transferred to the Iowa General Fund for appropriation by the legislature to different departments and programs throughout the state, including $1 million to the Iowa Economic Development Authority to promote Iowa breweries and wineries. Revenues from record-high liquor sales, beer barrel and wine gallonage tax, and revenue from licensing and regulatory efforts translated into a total transfer of $169 million to State Funds and local authorities. “As liquor sales and operational volumes continue to increase, the use of thoughtful data and analytics platforms and metrics will be an important tool in providing accurate and efficient financial reporting as well as shape the goals and decisions of ABD’s future,” said ABD Chief Financial Officer, Leisa Bertram. For the first time, Tito’s Handmade Vodka surpassed Black Velvet as the most popular brand in FY22. Black Velvet, which had held the top spot since at least FY12, dropped to second. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum rounded out the top three as was the case in the previous two fiscal years. ABD sold nearly 6.5 million gallons of liquor in FY22. Ten Iowa counties accounted for over 66% of statewide sales. Ruan Transportation, ABD’s distribution partner, played a key role in meeting the needs of the Iowa marketplace. “Fiscal Year 2022 ushered in another challenging year with the continuation of supply chain obstacles, a tight labor market, and increased delivery outlets,” said former ABD Chief Operations Officer, Herbert H. Sutton Jr. “Working together as a public/private partnership enabled ABD to continue supporting business, as they have come to expect uninterrupted service.” The full annual report can be accessed online at https://abd.iowa.gov/annual-reports.