Alcohol Companies

Rising incomes and premiumization are driving market value, but shifts toward categories like beer and rigid state pricing controls pose ongoing challenges, says the industry body chief.

India’s ready-to-drink alcohol market is growing faster than the global category, and with a distinctly higher-alcohol profile.

Beer is closing the gap with spirits, with brewers seeing premium and super-premium brands as the next engine of growth.

Varun Beverages is seeking to enhance its alcoholic beverage portfolio. The deal would provide Kiva with established liquor brands and distribution capabilities, although the final transaction terms remain undecided.

The world’s top brewer is betting big on India, with Karnataka and Maharashtra showing how policy support can boost demand and investment. AB InBev, which has invested $1.5 bn since 2016, says such moves could double beer consumption in five years and put India among the top five markets.

The French spirits maker is trimming mid-to-senior management roles to sharpen focus on high-margin categories, even as strong sales in India buck a global slowdown.

As growth slows in the broader liquor market, companies from Diageo India to Radico Khaitan are betting affluent consumers will keep trading up to premium whiskies, tequila and imported wines.

The India-UK FTA is expected to reduce Scotch whisky prices by 7-10%, allowing William Grant & Sons to attract new consumers and expand its offerings.

Ankur Jain has stepped down after a lender settlement, but former employees say the announcement offers no clarity on pending salaries or statutory dues.