Liquor
Scotch whisky in Delhi may get cheaper after Diwali as excise department begins price revision
Scotch whisky prices in Delhi could drop by around 7% due to changes in import duties. The new rates will likely affect popular brands like Johnnie Walker and Glenfiddich. Price revisions will be implemented initially in hotels, clubs, and restaurants, followed by retail outlets. Existing inventories must be cleared before new stocks can be sold under revised rates. The anticipated price changes are expected to occur before the wedding season.
Johnnie Walker launches first India-inspired Blue Label festive blend in its 200-year history
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Festive Blend, crafted by the brand's Master Blender Dr Emma Walker, draws on the country's rich culinary heritage and flavour traditions, the company said in a statement.
Govt moves to resolve Scotch tariff dispute under UK trade pact, sources say
India has assured industry executives that it will honor the trade pact with Britain regarding Scotch whisky tariffs. Ongoing investigations into bulk Scotch imports are expected to result in a resolution. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal detailed steps to address concerns over duty concessions for bulk imports. The disagreement centers on customs classifications affecting the whisky industry significantly.
Why is India's probe of Scotch imports from Britain rattling liquor majors?
India's investigation into bulk Scotch whisky imports has triggered the first major trade dispute under the India-UK free trade agreement. The government argues bulk Scotch does not qualify for reduced import tariffs, potentially restoring duties to 150% from 75%. The dispute threatens a $65 billion global whisky market, putting Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Indian liquor makers at odds with customs officials.
Mass brands give liquor companies a hangover
"It is difficult to pinpoint the reasons for the slowdown, even in states such as Uttar Pradesh which had recorded strong growth earlier," said Amar Sinha, managing director of Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), maker of Officer's Choice whisky. There are "no clear factors explaining the weakness," he said.
AB InBev sets aside $30 million for unpaid Telangana dues as delayed payments squeeze brewers
Anheuser-Busch InBev has earmarked $30 million for overdue payments from the Telangana government. This situation highlights the challenges in India's controlled alcohol market, characterized by delayed payments. Furthermore, the Telangana government owes nearly $400 million to alcohol companies, prompting industry criticism. United Breweries previously halted supplies due to operating losses and overdue payments in Telangana.
Govt to meet liquor firms as domestic giants join foreign peers in Scotch dispute
India's government is holding talks with liquor companies regarding tariff reductions on bulk Scotch imports. Major firms, including Diageo and Pernod, are expressing alarm about the investigation. Approximately 80% of Scotch imports from Britain arrive in bulk for local manufacturing. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies has warned of adverse effects on domestic production. Companies seek urgent intervention from the government to avoid disruption caused by the tariff issue.
United Spirits' mass-market liquor sales slump as inflation squeezes lower-income consumers, premiumisation takes centre stage
United Spirits is facing subdued demand in its mass-market liquor portfolio as inflation squeezes lower-income consumers, while regulatory changes in Maharashtra and Karnataka further weigh on sales. The Diageo-controlled company is relying on premium brands for growth, even as higher input costs linked to the West Asia conflict and weaker monsoons add pressure.
Diageo's India unit searched as state tax officials review Scotch imports
United Spirits, the Indian subsidiary of Diageo, was searched by Maharashtra tax authorities due to an investigation. The authorities are probing the misclassification of Scotch imports to determine if companies paid lower tariffs. United Spirits previously faced scrutiny from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in an industry-wide inquiry. Despite the searches, the company stated there was no impact on its financial and operational activities.
Diageo-owned United Spirits appoints Games24x7’s Sameer Chugh as new legal head
United Spirits, owned by Diageo, has appointed Sameer Chugh as General Counsel for India, effective December 1, 2026. Chugh, who brings over 30 years of legal experience across regulated sectors, joins from Games24x7. Shobana Nikam, the company's outgoing executive vice president and general counsel, will leave on October 31, 2026.
Must Watch
United Spirits’ popular segment sales fall 22.7% as state policies squeeze margins
United Spirits reported a 22.7% decline in its popular liquor segment sales during Q2 FY2027. The decline was attributed to increased taxes on non-local brands in Maharashtra and excise duty changes in Karnataka. While the overall net sales value rose 2.8% year-on-year, the popular segment's issues highlight regulatory pressure. The premium and luxury liquor segments continued to drive growth amid these challenges.
Tax officials visit Radico Khaitan offices and plant amid probe into bulk Scotch imports under India-UK pact
Tax officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have visited offices and a manufacturing facility of Radico Khaitan. These actions are part of a broader industry-wide review on bulk Scotch imports. The scrutiny focuses on whether major liquor companies are misclassifying bulk Scotch to reduce tariffs. Radico Khaitan stated that the visits do not affect its financial or operational activities.
Radico Khaitan’s premium spirits have a moment as regular volumes lose ground
Radico Khaitan’s net revenue rose 16.8% year on year to Rs 1,745.1 crore in Q2 FY27, while net profit jumped 66.1% to Rs 230.9 crore. Premium volumes surged 35.8%, offsetting a decline in Regular & Others volumes, which the company attributed to market-specific factors and a higher base.
Digital payments mandatory for liquor purchases above Rs 1,000 in Tamil Nadu from November 1: Check what changes
Tamil Nadu’s state-run TASMAC will make digital payments mandatory for liquor purchases exceeding Rs 1,000 from November 1. Customers can pay through UPI, debit cards or credit cards, while cash payments will remain an option for purchases within the limit. The move aims to improve transaction transparency, address complaints of overcharging above the maximum retail price (MRP) and reduce risks associated with handling cash across the state’s 4,048 liquor outlets.
A little Nashik goes a long way in Italy
This month saw a Nashik company make waves by exporting wine equipment to Italy, a clear demonstration of India's burgeoning potential in the wine sector. The success of this small consignment is emblematic of an industry on the rise. Analysts predict domestic market expansion, particularly with relaxed state regulations, could see India's wine market soar to $2.6 billion by 2033, alongside a trend in non-grape wineries shaping the future.
Carlsberg India's revenue dips 2% as sales volumes, market share rise
Carlsberg India reported a 2.3% decline in total income to ₹8,815 crore in FY26. Despite the revenue drop, net profit rose by 22.1% to ₹535 crore, surpassing United Breweries' profits. The company's market share improved to 16.2%, maintaining its position as India's third-largest brewer. Carlsberg attributed its profit growth to strong volume increases and enhanced brand performance.
