Liquor
A third of the 30 fastest growing spirits brands in the world are Indian, says new report
While Iconiq White Whisky by Allied Blenders and Distillers sold 1.6 million cases in 2023 to top the list, it's not just whisky brands that are performing well. Three brandy brands - Courier Napoleon and Mansion House brandy by Tilaknagar Industries, Radico Khaitan's brandy Morpheus, vodka brand Magic Moments and rum 1965 – are from India, indicating that spirits trends are diverse.
India to impound liquor firm Som's distillery over child labour
Police launched an investigation into Som after the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) last week found 39 boys and 20 girls working at the factory. The agency also released photos of children's hands it said showed burns due to contact with chemicals. "We have sent the police force to ensure there are no issues during the sealing process," Vikas Kumar Shahwal, a senior Madhya Pradesh police official, told Reuters.
Alcohol price in Gurugram rise: New price, why it increased, excise policy
Good days are over for Gurugram alcohol lovers as increased liquor prices have come into effect as part of Haryana's new excise policy. Gurugram, which was an alcohol haven for locals and residents in neighbouring Delhi and Noida, is not too cheap anymore when it comes to booze prices. The prices have gone up by up tp 20%, as the new excise policy came into effect on June 12.
Police investigate Som Distilleries over allegations of employing children; company issues clarification
Police are investigating Som Distilleries and Breweries Ltd after allegations surfaced that over 50 children, including 20 girls, were found working at a distillery in Madhya Pradesh. The National Commission for Protection Of Child Rights initiated the probe, prompting serious concern from authorities. Som Distilleries clarified the issue pertains to an associate company dealing with country liquor and terminated the contractor responsible for labor supply.
Tequila’s flexibility in building tongue-popping cocktails makes it the darling of distillers and bartenders
Though the lineage of tequila goes back to 1000 BCE, to the land of Aztecs (Mexico), where it was once popular as pulque, modern-day master distillers and crafty bartenders think they haven’t reached anywhere in exploring and chiselling out the mindblowing facets locked away inside this ancient drink. New cocktails and RTDs (ready-to-drink) based on tequila continue to emerge, throwing the market into a tizzy. (One can see the veteran whisky, nodding with its nostalgic I-have-been-thereonce smile, as tequila and its myriad avatars rage across the world, hitting every shore, blasting every impediment, drowning every myth that hangs on like barnacles around the drink).
Amrut wins five gold medals at International Spirits Challenge in London
Amrut Distilleries won five Gold medals at the 2024 International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in London, setting a record for Indian distilleries. Competing with top brands from Scotland, Ireland, and Japan, Amrut's total international awards now reach 350. The standout was Amrut Fusion, acclaimed as the "Crown Jewel" of Indian single malts.
5 signs your bartender isn't crafting cocktails properly: A guide to quality drinks
You're queued at the bar, only to observe your bartender eschewing measuring tools and instead pouring alcohol with a flourish, as though staging a performance. While this display may exude flair, precise measurements are vital in cocktail crafting. If you notice your bartender merely guessing quantities, the flavors of your cocktails may be thrown off, resulting in a taste that doesn't align with your expectations.
UBL, AB-InBev, Carlsberg jointly form Brewers' Association of India
The Brewers' Association of India (BAI) was officially launched by the country's leading beer manufacturers, United Breweries (UBL), AB-InBev, and Carlsberg, in partnership with the World Brewing Alliance (WBA). This new industry body aims to drive innovation, moderation, and sustainability in the Indian beer market. UBL, AB-InBev, and Carlsberg together hold about 85 per cent of the beer sales in India, with UBL leading the market with brands like Kingfisher and Heineken.
Top beer companies launch a new brewers association in India, backed by World Brewing Alliance
Brewers Association of India (BAI) is being established in partnership with the World Brewing Alliance (WBA), the global industry body consisting of brewers and brewing trade associations from Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, Europe, Japan, Korea, Latin America, Brazil, New Zealand, Nigeria and now India. The goal of WBA is to exchange knowledge and best practices among brewers and other stakeholders.
Liquor demand still dull, could pick up soon: United Spirits
"On the demand front, the growth has moderated from two years ago. And at the lower end, we continue to see some pressure. Moderation was there during the wedding season, and so growth is continuing to be slower," the company's managing director and chief executive Hina Nagarajan told analysts during an earnings call.
No deliberations started yet by Kerala govt on liquor policy: Excise Minister M B Rajesh
Kerala's Excise Minister M B Rajesh has denied any discussions on the state's liquor policy, despite reports suggesting the Left administration may withdraw the 'dry day' norm. Rajesh cited a voice clip allegedly suggesting a bar association member was asking for a favourable liquor policy. He stated that strict action would be taken against such attempts. Rajesh also confirmed that the proposal of bars in IT parks was part of the earlier liquor policy and approved by the legislative Assembly's subject committee.
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Haryana Cabinet approves new excise policy; slight increase in duty on liquor
The maximum basic quota of IMFL will be 700 lakh proof litres and 1,200 lakh proof litres for the country liquor for the year 2024-25. The QR code-based track and trace system that was introduced in 2023-24 for IMFL and country liquor will be extended to imported foreign liquor as well, said the statement. The minimum retail sale prices of imported liquor brands will be fixed by the department to streamline the business, it said.
HC asks govt not to renew licence of liquor shop near Kanpur school after LKG student moves court
Allahabad High Court stops renewal of liquor shop license near Kanpur school following Atharva Dixit's PIL. Possible closure of Azad Nagar shop after March 31, 2025, due to 'anti-social elements' and legal regulations.
Tipplers toast local labels as big brands lose way in policy maze
State liquor policy changes result in scarcity of popular brands like Royal Stag, Budweiser, and Old Monk. Liquor stores push new brands due to supply chain disruptions. Mainstream brands limit supplies leading to a shift towards local brands, impacting the industry supply chains.
This Indian whisky is selling at Rs 5 Lakh per bottle: Here's why
Rampur Signature Reserve Single Malt Whisky has become the costliest whisky in India, selling at Rs 5 lakh per bottle. The alcohol is manufactured by the Rampur franchise of Radico Khaitan. (Image: Website)
India's competition regulator checks if Glenlivet-maker Pernod colluded with New Delhi retailers
India's competition watchdog is examining allegations that Pernod Ricard of France collaborated with retailers in New Delhi to increase market share. Legal documents suggest the spirits giant faces antitrust issues in India, with accusations of influencing retailers to stock its products in exchange for financial aid.