Liquor
Millets in a bottle: Whisky companies go vocal for local
Historically, Scottish and Irish distillers have used barley as their primary grain, while Canadians and Americans use corn, rye, and wheat. India does not have a dominant global indigenous liquor similar to Baiju in China or Japanese rice wine Sake. The market is dominated by locally produced and adapted versions of European spirits, called Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), despite nearly every state having its own version of distilled spirit.
Pernod Ricard plans to triple revenue by next decade; launches two new premium whiskies
Pernod Ricard India announced the launch of two premium whiskies—Royal Stag Double Dark Peaty Whisky and Blenders Pride Four Elements Premium Whisky. This move is part of their strategy to triple revenue over the next decade by focusing on premiumisation and innovation in the Indian market. The company aims to leverage its strong market position.
Pernod Ricard India accelerates premiumization strategy; launches two new whiskies in the premium segment
Pernod Ricard India announced plans to triple its revenue within a decade by prioritizing premiumization and innovation. It launched Royal Stag Double Dark Peaty Whisky and Blenders Pride Four Elements Premium Whisky as part of this strategy. The move aligns with the Make in India initiative, with the company's portfolio predominantly produced domestically.
After a sober quarter, liquor companies hope for a Patiala high in second half
In India, the June quarter saw stable liquor demand with a decline in brandy and rum consumption. Despite a slight increase in whisky sales, the market faced supply chain disruptions due to elections and higher excise duties in Karnataka. Premium brands continued to show growth, boosted by younger consumers opting for higher-priced options.
Diageo submits financial documents in Delhi police investigation, source says
Diageo's Indian unit submitted documents to New Delhi police in a probe about billing and discount practices between 2017 and 2020 involving government liquor shops. CEO Hina Nagarajan was summoned but didn't appear personally. Diageo calls the case a routine exercise and is cooperating with the authorities.
Carlsberg to retain strategy post-full ownership of Indian ops, eyes accelerated investment
Carlsberg’s global CEO, Jacob Aarup-Andersen, confirmed that the Danish brewer does not plan a new strategy for India after acquiring full ownership of its Indian and Nepalese operations from the Khetan Group. The move, expected to finalize in a few months, will enable Carlsberg to boost investments and leverage opportunities in the rapidly growing Indian beer market, which is expanding four times faster than the overall segment. Andersen noted that while no dramatic strategy changes are anticipated, the company aims to enhance its market presence with increased control and investment.
Paul John single malts to step up exports, says company chairman
John Distilleries Ltd expanded its Goa distillery's capacity to 3 million litres annually, investing Rs 100 crore. This expansion aims to meet growing demand for its Paul John Single Malt whiskey in both global and domestic markets. The company also plans to launch new variants and currently exports to over 50 countries.
Officer's Choice maker Allied Blenders in talks to partner global spirits firms to prop up portfolio
The talks, if fructify, will help ABD to widen its product portfolio from largely whisky to a host of spirit segments such as vodka and scotch, while the two global companies will get an entry into the world's biggest alcohol consuming country with a strong partner which has robust distribution and manufacturing capabilities, the executives said.
This Indian craft beer maker is betting on a $70 million beer factory to take on global brews
B9 Beverages Ltd, supported by Kirin Holdings, aims to surpass global beer brands by building India’s largest beer factory for $70 million. The company is planning a 2026 public listing and partnered with Morgan Stanley for fundraising, focusing on expanding production and enhancing profitability.
Alcobev body appoints Anant Iyer as director general
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies appointed Anant S Iyer as its new director general. Iyer, who formerly served as the chief operating officer at Alcobrew and Jagatjit Industries, takes the helm at a challenging time as the government considers banning surrogate alcohol advertisements, which could affect many alcohol companies operating in India.
Must Watch
India plans tougher ad curbs on liquor makers such as Carlsberg, Diageo, Pernod
The new rules call for "prohibition against engaging in surrogate advertisement", which extends to sponsorships and ads for products viewed as "brand extensions" that share the characteristics of an alcohol brand, the draft said.
Masala tea in Cosmopolitan and mahua in Singapore Sling: How filmi cocktails get an Indian twist
James Bond's iconic Vesper Martini, featured in Ian Fleming's Casino Royale, has inspired mixologists to give classic cocktails an Indian twist, like the Desi Stir version with Goan sweet vermouth. Other famous cocktails from pop culture, like Mad Men's Old Fashioned and Sex and the City's Cosmopolitan, continue to influence modern mixology trends across the globe.
Carlsberg to buy out residual stakes in India, Nepal units
After the transaction, the Indian entity - Carlsberg South Asia (CSAPL) - will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carlsberg. Carlsberg's stake in Nepal's Gorkha Brewery (GBPL) will rise to 99.94%.
Diageo India refuses its Delhi police has summoned CEO in liquor payments case, acknowledges receiving a notice
Diageo India rebutted claims that its CEO was summoned by Delhi police over billing and discounts practices from 2017-2020. While Reuters reported an investigative notice, Diageo clarified it pertained to routine information requests received by multiple manufacturers. The CEO has been asked to provide documents but is not the focus of the investigation. They are cooperating with authorities as usual.
United Spirits invests in non-alcoholic and coffee-based alcohol companies to fuel new growth
The company will acquire 15% in V9 Beverages that markets and sells India’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit brand Sober Gin, Sober Rum and Sober Whiskey while it has agreed to purchase 25% in Indie Brews and Spirits, the maker of Quaffine, India’s first cold brew coffee liqueur.
Non-alcohol is the only market segment with positive momentum in several markets including India - IWSR
The non-alcohol market segment is experiencing growth due to an increase in no-alcohol drinkers in key markets like India, China, the UK, and the US. Non-alcoholic beverage categories such as beer, wine, and spirits showed significant volume surges. The trend is driven by a shift towards healthier choices, diverse product offerings, and regulatory pressures, leading to long-term lifestyle changes and the emergence of new beverage categories catering to all generations of consumers.
