Denver 7: Economist predicts wine prices will drop in Colorado amid grocery store competition.

March 1, 2023

DENVER — Colorado grocery stores officially began selling wine Wednesday.

While liquor stores brace for a possible negative impact of additional competition, MSU Distinguished Professor of Economics Kishore Kulkarni says consumers are the real winners.

"With more number of sellers, the price should come down a little bit because the competition will help to bring the prices down," he said.

Kulkarni says larger grocery chains may sell their bottles for a slightly lower price than liquor stores because of the large quantities purchased.

"I would expect King Soopers and Safeway will charge a little bit less for the wine for the same wine," Kulkarni said.