Is the booze cruise set for a comeback?

The booze cruise is staging a comeback, as rising duty and a weakening euro mean British booze shoppers could save a small fortune by buying in France.

The industry set up to serve booze cruisers went into what was thought to be terminal decline after the onset of the financial crisis in 2007. However, there are signs that there may be some life in it yet.

The decline

In its heyday, huge alcohol warehouses were set up on the outskirts of Calais, to appeal to the day trippers who popped over on a cheap crossing to fill the car with wine and beer for a fraction of the UK price. However, as the pound slid and the price of fuel increased, it gradually started to only really be worthwhile for those few people who were spending a small fortune.

Soon the warehouses started to close, and even Sainsbury's and Tesco closed their Calais booze outlets. The days of the booze cruise were thought to have gone for good.

The comeback
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However, new figures from Caxton FX show that the number of British buyers shopping at the French supermarket Carrefour has increased 14% in the past 12 months, which means 56% more Brits are shopping there than in 2013. It has led to speculation that the booze cruise could be back.

The collapse of the euro is a major factor. If you went to France with the aim of buying €250 of wine today, it would cost you £179. Back in April 2013, it would have set you back £215.

Another reason why wine is so much cheaper in France is the difference in duty. In the UK we pay £2.05 in duty on every bottle of wine - plus VAT - a figure that has risen by 72p since the onset of the financial crisis. In France, the total duty is just 23p a bottle.

Overall it means prices can be around 40%-60% cheaper on some wine, which makes the break-even point much more attractive. If you can get a return trip for around £70, and add in petrol of £50, you need to spend less than £250 to break even. If you wanted to shop at Calais Wine you could even get a Eurotunnel crossing for free, which they will book and pay for if you pre-order £300 of wine.

But what do you think? Would you be inspired to do a booze cruise? Let us know in the comments.

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