Liquor exports from India have surged, driven by a 26% increase in whiskey shipments in the first half of 2024, which complements the strong performance of Indian-made smartphones and electronics. 

According to Commerce Ministry data, India exported spirits worth $78.5 million during this period. Blended whiskey, which makes up half of the whiskey exports, saw a 37% rise. 

Exporters are now targeting the growth of Indian-made single malt, with premium whiskey exports nearly doubling to $6.3 million.

Vinod Giri, director-general of Brewers Association of India, said, “More brands have been launched in India and are being pushed aggressively by companies.”

Vinod added that, given the low base, growth is set to continue for the next few years. The growth rate in the whiskey segment almost doubled in 2024 compared to the first six months of 2023, which saw a growth of 12%. 

India’s whiskey exports have consistently remained in the $50-55 million range for over a decade. However, Indian single malts are now gaining international recognition, leading to new market opportunities. 

According to Giri, global awards and heightened awareness have diversified India’s export destinations. The UAE, Netherlands, and Ghana were the top importers in the year’s first half, with exports to the US increasing by 63.2% to $3.04 million.

Moreover, Giri added, “America is turning out to be a market for high-end Indian whiskeys. Traditionally, the Middle East and Africa were major export markets. They were largely value products. America is a big market for high-end value products. Some of our products are also fetching value in Asia.”

Furthermore, domestic demand has also increased significantly in the same period. Liquor revenue from excise duty now accounts for a larger share of the state’s tax revenues.

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