Sales of whiskey products in South Korea fell in the first quarter of 2014 from a year earlier, data showed Tuesday, apparently as demand for pricey liquor decreased amid a prolonged economic slump.

Whiskey sales reached 431,455 boxes in the January-March period, down 4.3 percent from the 450,934 boxes tallied a year ago, industry data showed. A box contains 18 0.5-liter bottles.

Diageo Korea, the South Korean unit of the British liquor company, sold 174,319 boxes during the period, down 3.1 percent from a year ago, taking the top spot in the local whiskey market.

Pernod Ricard Korea, the local unit of France’s Pernod Ricard Group, known for its Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s brands, sold 123,347 boxes in the first quarter, down 3.1 percent from a year earlier. (Yonhap)