Liquor
Big Scotch tariff cut to bring little cheer for Indians after UK trade deal
Cutting Scotch whisky import tariffs to 75% under the India-UK trade deal may offer limited benefit to Indian consumers due to India’s complex tax regime. State levies, excise duties, and fees still keep prices high, reducing the impact of tariff cuts to under 10%. Despite growing demand and Scotch being India’s top import by volume, local single malts are gaining ground.
Radico Khaitan enters luxury vodka market with ‘The Spirit of Kashmyr’. Check prices
Radico Khaitan has launched a premium vodka brand, The Spirit of Kashmyr, in Uttar Pradesh, with plans to expand to Goa, Maharashtra, and other states. Available in two variants—Indian Natural and Indian Saffron Vodka—the launch is part of Radico’s push into the luxury segment. The brand draws inspiration from Kashmir’s heritage and aims for global recognition.
Whisky Business: Indian alcohol industry flags non-tariff barriers in UK market
Indian alcoholic beverage companies claim unequal access to the UK market. They cite technical norms as barriers for Indian-Made Foreign Liquor. These norms include maturation periods and ingredient standards. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies urges government intervention. They seek a level playing field with the UK. The group also proposes a minimum import price for Scotch.
India-UK FTA: Scotch whisky, gin tariff cuts unlikely to impact retail prices
India and UK's free trade agreement will halve tariffs on UK-made whisky and gin. The tariff will eventually drop to 40% over ten years. Industry executives say price revisions may not be significant initially. Most companies invoice at lower prices to offset high duties. Chivas Brothers anticipates long-term investment and job growth.
India-UK FTA: International premium spirits to be more accessible but benefits may be limited, say experts
The India-UK free trade agreement is set to reduce duties on imported spirits, potentially making premium international options more accessible to Indian consumers. While industry players hail this as a boost for the alcobev sector, experts caution that the actual price reduction may be limited to Rs 300 per bottle.
Piccadily unveils Indri Agneya, its new lightly peated single malt whisky
Piccadily Agro Industries has introduced Indri Agneya, a lightly peated single malt whisky, expanding its Indri line after the success of Indri-Trini. Crafted in Haryana, Agneya offers a balanced profile with subtle smoke and spice, matured in Sherry and Bourbon casks. This launch aims to cater to evolving Indian whisky preferences and strengthen India's position in the global whisky market.
Tilaknagar Industries acquires Imperial Blue from Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is set to sell its Imperial Blue whisky business to Tilaknagar Industries, pending regulatory approval. This move allows Pernod Ricard to concentrate on its premium, high-growth brands in India, such as Royal Stag and international labels like Chivas Regal. Tilaknagar Industries, primarily known for brandy, strategically enters the whisky market with this acquisition.
Can crunch hits United Breweries' growth as demand for canned beer surges
United Breweries is currently grappling with a can shortage. This is affecting their ability to meet consumer demand. The company estimates a loss of 1-2% growth over six months. Despite this, volumes grew by 11% in the last quarter. The premium segment saw a 46% increase. United Breweries is exploring long-term solutions with international suppliers.
Tilaknagar to acquire Pernod Ricard's Imperial Blue whiskey, announcement likely on Wednesday
Tilaknagar Industries is set to acquire Imperial Blue whiskey from Pernod Ricard. The deal is expected to be finalized soon. Tilaknagar's board will meet to discuss fundraising. This acquisition comes amidst a broader restructuring by Pernod Ricard. Imperial Blue is a significant player in the deluxe whiskey category. The Indian whiskey market is the largest globally.
How Tilaknagar Industries' name came up in Andhra liquor scam
Tilaknagar Industries is facing scrutiny as Andhra Pradesh's liquor scam chargesheet implicated the company in an alleged kickbacks case. The chargesheet alleged that Tilaknagar paid Rs 218 crore to a syndicate for preferential treatment, earning Rs 1,472 crore from APSBCL.
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Tilaknagar Industries, SNJ Sugars among over a dozen liquor firms named in Andhra Pradesh liquor scam
Tilaknagar Industries and Bira maker B9 Beverages have been named in a chargesheet by Andhra Pradesh Police for alleged kickbacks and irregularities in liquor trade. Tilaknagar reportedly earned ₹1,472 crore from APSBCL, with ₹218 crore allegedly routed as kickbacks via gold transactions. B9 Beverages earned ₹360 crore, with ₹43 crore allegedly funneled back through fake vendor payments. Both firms deny receiving official communication so far.
Indri-Dru Single Malt named “Best World Whiskey” at 1st Annual Miami Global Spirit Awards 2025.
Indri-Dru Single Malt by Piccadilly Agro Industries Ltd has been awarded the title of “Best World Whiskey” at the inaugural Miami Global Spirit Awards 2025. The Indian single malt had earlier been recognised as “India Whisky of the Year” at the 16th Annual New York International Spirits Competition 2025, securing a Gold Medal with 95 points. Its cask strength version won a Silver Medal with 93 points.
ABD barred from launching disputed brands; Bombay HC rules in favour of Tilaknagar Industries
The Bombay High Court has restrained Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD) from launching 'Mansion House' and 'Savoy Club' spirits nationwide, overturning a previous order. This decision favors Tilaknagar Industries (TI), which has been marketing alcoholic beverages under those trademarks in India for over 40 years.
Bombay HC bars ABD from launching products under ‘Mansion House’, ‘Savoy Club’ trademarks
The Bombay High Court has barred Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) from launching products under the trademarks "MANSION HOUSE" and "SAVOY CLUB" in India. This order, dated July 16, 2025, favors Tilaknagar Industries Limited (TIL) in an ongoing trademark dispute. The court effectively reinstated restrictions on ABD until the original 2009 intellectual property suit concludes.
United Breweries working with multiple states to introduce equitable taxation and policy decisions
United Breweries faces challenges from state taxes and raw material issues. The company is working with states for fair taxation. Some states are shifting away from prohibition. Uttar Pradesh attracts Heineken's investment. United Breweries invests in a new brewery in Uttar Pradesh. The company focuses on sustainable packaging. Sales growth is driven by premium brands.
The Indian single malt that topped its premium spirits rivals at the International Whisky Competition
DeVANS Modern Breweries' GianChand Adambaraa has been awarded Best Indian Single Malt Whisky and Best Indian Whisky at the International Whisky Competition 2025. This dual win recognizes the distiller's commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. Jim Murray praised Adambaraa as being remarkably close to a high-class Scottish malt, highlighting its intensity and purity.
