Alcohol Companies

Nearly a dozen products are either already in market or being introduced through early 2026-27 across whisky, brandy, vodka, gin, rum and tequila.

From jamun to chilli mango, India's palate is expanding beyond plain white spirits to locally flavoured drinks, with companies betting big on the fast-growing category.

Easing disruptions in Telangana and a premiumization push could lift volumes, but weak Maharashtra demand and valuation concerns linger.

Kingfisher producer United Breweries warns of a 5-6% increase in cost of sales due to rising freight and bottle prices. State-set beer prices mean the company must absorb war-driven cost hikes, impacting margins.

Simba Beer maker Sona Beverages is sharpening its premium focus and expanding into large markets such as Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh as rising costs squeeze smaller brewers.

Around 50 ex-employees of B9 Beverages demonstrated against unpaid salaries and unfulfilled statutory obligations. They cited financial distress affecting their lives, amid a prolonged crisis at the company that has seen operations cease and significant staff reductions.

Chief executive Jacob Aarup-Andersen said in a February earnings call that the company is assessing an initial public offering in India. If it goes through, it will make Carlsberg only the second listed pure-play beer company in India after United Breweries Ltd.

Kati Patang Lifestyle plans to pivot towards premium alcoholic beverages, expand its UK operations and acquire stakes in spirits brands. Co-founder Shantanu Upadhyay emphasises building a diverse lifestyle platform to target substantial growth by FY27.

Amar Sinha, COO of Radico Khaitan, has resigned after a decade at the company. His departure follows a shift towards premium branding and marketing. Sinha said he is evaluating future opportunities.

Amrut expanded its distillation capacity in the past year and is doubling down on premium and luxury whiskies as single and pure malts drive the firm's topline growth.