Liquor
Ice-cold beer, red-hot flavour: As India experiments with flavours in craft beer, from mango and coconut to chai, master brewers spill their secrets
The craft beer market in India is experiencing a phase of Indianisation with flavors like mango, pepper, and chai. With nearly 70 microbreweries innovating across the country, the market is projected to grow significantly. Breweries such as Toit, Bira91, and Bombay Duck Brewing are actively experimenting with locally-inspired ingredients to create unique brews.
Vinitaly Indian Roadshow: The icon of Italian cuisine and culture lands in India
VinItaly, the world's largest wine exposition, launched its India Roadshow at the Italian Embassy in New Delhi, showcasing Italian wines and promoting cultural and trade relations. The event anticipates the forthcoming EU-India Free Trade Agreement, set to enhance wine imports. Vinitaly expects significant growth in Indian wine consumption and increased market potential.
Premiumisation in Indian spirit happening very fast with income growth: Pernod Ricard India MD
Pernod Ricard India MD Jean Touboul highlights the rapid premiumisation of the liquor industry due to rising disposable incomes and the younger generation's desire for elevated experiences. Touboul acknowledges regulatory challenges in India but notes improving business conditions. Pernod Ricard's focus remains on premium products, despite some mass market presence.
Trump tariffs and whisky wars can’t shake the Indian single malt in your glass
Indian single malts are gaining prominence in a premiumisation boom. Local brands like Amrut are challenging international whiskies with high prices and growing consumer base. Despite threats from import tax cuts and foreign competition, Indian whisky producers remain confident, buoyed by rising domestic demand and global recognition, signalling a bright future for the industry.
Brewers' body urges Karnataka govt to apply rules uniformly, flags frequent tax hike
The Brewers Association of India (BAI) has requested the Karnataka government to address the frequent tax hikes and arbitrary regulations affecting the beer industry. The BAI highlighted discrimination in tax application and urged the government to ensure fair competition and a level-playing field for all beer suppliers in the state.
Indians lead global list for temporary alcohol abstinence: Report
71% of Indians have temporarily paused alcohol consumption, topping the list among 15 countries. Health and wellness motivate this trend, especially among younger drinkers. Despite this moderation, industry insiders believe India's market growth won't be impacted due to the integration of drinking into the culture and the continual addition of new legal-age drinkers.
Radico Khaitan eyes Rs 500 crore sales from luxe labels like 'Rampur' and Jaisalmer Gin
Radico Khaitan expects sales of ₹500 crore from its luxury brands in the next fiscal, driven by the ongoing premiumisation in the alcoholic beverage segment. The company anticipates an 8-9% volume growth and a 12-15% value growth, primarily from its single malt 'Rampur' and Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin.
Sobriety sips: The rise of non-alcoholic cocktails in India
The non-alcoholic beverage (NAB) market is expanding in India, driven by brands like Sobriety Sips and Sober. These brands offer sophisticated drink alternatives for those who avoid alcohol for health or personal reasons. Despite challenges, the market is expected to grow, particularly among Gen Z and millennials.
ABD shifts gears: Premium brands move to new venture ABD Maestro with Ranveer Singh on board
Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD) shifts its premium brands to new company ABD Maestro, investing ₹70 crore for an 80% stake. Ranveer Singh will own the remaining stake and serve as creative partner. ABD Maestro will focus on premium and international brands, leveraging ABD's sales and manufacturing networks.
Amrut launches its ₹10 lakh marquee Indian single malt whisky
Amrut Distillers has launched Expedition, the oldest single malt whisky in India, matured for 15 years. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the company is releasing only 75 bottles of this rare whisky, each featuring unique packaging details and advanced authentication features.
Must Watch
Scotch, whiskey & more: Why the world is raising a toast to Indian tipplers
Top spirit makers, including United Breweries, AB InBev, and Carlsberg, are investing over Rs 3,500 crore in Indian breweries by 2025, driven by a young population, rising incomes, and premiumization. India's reduced import duties on bourbon whiskey and wines indicate a favorable market for American liquor. Domestic companies remain strong, while international players face challenges.
Top brewers to go on a decadal binge, spend Rs 3,500 crore in capex
United Breweries, AB InBev, and Carlsberg will collectively invest over ₹3,500 crore to set up breweries in India by 2025. This significant capex investment aims to capitalize on the country's growing and young population, offering immense growth opportunities in the beer segment amid complex regulatory environments.
Madhya Pradesh to see new Low Alcoholic Beverage Bars from April 1; liquor sales to stop in 19 places
Madhya Pradesh will introduce low alcoholic beverage bars from April 1 while restricting liquor sales in 19 locations, including 17 holy cities. Beer, wine, and drinks with up to 10% alcohol will be allowed in the new bars. The move will result in closing 47 composite alcohol shops and a Rs 450 crore excise revenue loss.
A name change takes the fizz out of Bira's earnings
B9 Beverages, owner of Bira beer, faced a challenging FY24 with sales dropping by over 20% and losses increasing by 68% due to regulatory changes and a name change. Despite demand, the company halted supplies to register its new product label, significantly affecting sales. Efforts are underway to raise fresh funds and drive growth.
Alcoholic beverage makers' body seeks curb on dumping, expand market for Indian products
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has requested the government to impose strict measures against the dumping of imported spirits and to provide better market access for domestic products. CIABC also sought a phased reduction in import duties and asked states to withdraw excise duty concessions for imported liquor due to recent customs duty cuts.
United Breweries expects further price hikes in India's top beer-consuming state
United Breweries may further raise beer prices in Telangana after the state's recent approval allowed price increases for the first time in five years. The company, which holds a 70% market share in Telangana, is still dealing with profitability issues and expects additional price hikes soon to address financial challenges.
