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A market in motion – Why India still fuels spirits industry excitement – Market Intel

Joe Bates
Last updated: 11/09/2026 at 5:20 PM
By Joe Bates
11 September 2026
13 Min Read

A swelling population, new free trade agreements, accelerating premiumisation and signs of regulatory reform are all driving optimism about the long-term potential for premium and super-premium spirits in India.


Skyline of city in India
Credit: Hasan Zaidi/iStock

For all its logistical complexities, high taxes and regulatory frustrations, India continues to hold the title of the world’s most exciting market for spirits, offering domestic and overseas brands long-term potential without many of the consumer-led challenges facing more mature territories, where alcohol consumption is declining.

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Regional premiumisation - Tier 2 and 3 cities are seeing significant consumer interest in premiumisation, driven by rising incomes and adventurous middle-class Gen Z and Millennial drinkersIndian single malt boom - Homegrown brands are now comfortably outselling imported malt scotch in the domestic off-premise, prompting industry efforts to standardise and certify authentic Indian single maltsTrade agreements - Recent FTAs with the UK and EU have slashed steep 150% import tariffs, potentially boosting market access for scotch whisky distillers and European spirits producersKarnataka reforms -

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Joe Bates
ByJoe Bates
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Joe has been a business journalist for over 20 years, specialising in the drinks, aviation and Global Travel Retail sectors; Duty-Free News International, IWSR Magazine, Drinks International and Whisky Magazine, among others.
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