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Indri Becomes India’s Largest-Selling Single Malt, Crosses 2 Million Bottles in 2024

Indri, the single malt whisky from Piccadily Agro Industries, sold 2.04 million bottles (approximately 1,70,000 nine-litre cases) in 2024, placing it as the best-selling single malt in India. Of this, 1,24,000 cases were sold domestically and 46,000 were exported. The International Wine & Spirits Record (IWSR) confirms these figures and ranks Indri as the leading malt whisky in the Indian market.

The brand’s lineup includes expressions such as Indri-Trini (three-wood matured), cask-strength Indri-Dru, the Diwali Collector’s Editions, and the Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old. These expressions have received recognition at global spirits competitions.

PAIL’s distillery in Indri, Haryana covers 168 acres and produces malt, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), ethanol and white crystal sugar. Besides Indri, the company also offers blended malts and Camikara, an aged sugarcane juice-based rum.

Launched in 2022, Indri has witnessed rapid growth, strengthened by both domestic momentum and expanding export reach. The company now aims to place the brand among the world’s top five single malts in the coming years.

With growing global demand for Indian spirits and a shift toward premiumisation, Indri’s performance highlights how India’s single malt segment is steadily carving its place on the international whisky map.

India’s First Aromatic Low-Alcohol Still White Wine

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Sula Vineyards recently announced the launch of Sula Muscat Blanc a vibrant, aromatic, and fruity new addition to the Sula Vineyards range. Marking a significant milestone, it is India’s first still Muscat and the lowest-alcohol wine in the portfolio, with just 7.5% ABV. Crafted to offer a refreshingly light and modern take on white wine, Sula Muscat Blanc reflects the rising global popularity of Muscat, which has been the world’s fastest-growing white wine in the past decade.

Crafted from 100% Muscat grapes, Sula Muscat Blanc is a light-bodied, elegantly aromatic wine that captivates the senses with bright notes of citrus, lychee, and rose petals.

Sula Muscat Blanc is the go-to wine for every occasion from casual brunches and sunny afternoons to festive dinners and special moments. A great gifting choice too, it’s crafted through eco-friendly viticulture and mindful winemaking, staying true to Sula’s sustainable philosophy while blending tradition with a fresh, modern approach.

Gorakh Gaikwad, COO and Chief Winemaker at Sula Vineyards, said, “Our Sula Muscat Blanc is the epitome of freshness, finesse, and approachability. We set out to craft a low alcohol, gently sweet, and refreshingly light wine that’s not only delightful on the palate, but also accessible and affordable. With its vibrant floral and fruity notes and a crisp, clean finish, it’s a joyful expression made for today’s evolving wine lovers.”

Sula Muscat Blanc, priced at ₹875 for a 750ml bottle and ₹490 for a 375ml. Sula Muscat Blanc is now available in wine shops across Maharashtra, with Karnataka to follow soon.

India achieves 20% ethanol blending target earlier than deadline

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The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has stated that India has achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending programme (EBP) with petrol five years ahead of schedule.

The early achievement of the 20% blending target, originally set for 2030, demonstrates India’s commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports while supporting rural economic development. The achievement represents dramatic growth from the modest 1.5% blending rate when the programme began in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

ISMA said that the EBP has delivered substantial economic and environmental benefits. Ethanol production surged from 380 million litres in 2014 to 6,610 million litres blended as of June 2025, while generating 69.8 million tonnes in carbon dioxide emission reductions.

The programme has provided significant financial benefits to India’s agricultural sector, with farmers receiving ₹1.18 trillion and distilleries earning ₹1.96 trillion over the period. The initiative has also helped India save ₹1.36 trillion in foreign exchange costs.

“This achievement is a monumental leap for India’s energy independence and rural prosperity,” said Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA.

“The government’s unwavering policy direction and visionary leadership have not only made this national success possible five years ahead of schedule, but have also set a powerful precedent for our collective future in green energy.” The sugar industry has played a central role in India’s ethanol economy, supplying biofuel derived from sugarcane juice, B-heavy molasses and other agricultural by-products, ISMA added.

India to finalise standards for 27% ethanol blending by August-end

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that India will establish the standard for 27% ethanol blending by the end of August. He made the statement while addressing the International Sugar Expo 2025, held as part of the 83rd Centennial Annual Convention of the Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI).

Gadkari pointed out that Brazil has already achieved 27% blending and emphasised the need for India to catch up.

Glasgow Distillery’s Limited Release of 1770 10-Year-Old Single Malt

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Glasgow Distillery has announced the release of its second limited 10-Year-Old single malt, to mark a decade of whisky production. This special edition has been bottled in collaboration with one of Scotland’s leading whisky retailers, Royal Mile Whiskies. The limited release (340 bottles) to be released at Whisky Fringe in Edinburgh, will be available on royalmilewhiskies.com from August 11.

Glasgow 1770 10-Year-Old Sauternes Cask Matured is a single cask, unpeated single malt fully matured in a re-fill French Sauternes sweet wine barrique. The result is a fruity, delicate whisky with notes of poached pear, salted caramel, honey and tropical fruit, with a hint of cinnamon spice.

The bottling follows the inaugural 10-Year-Old release, which sold out in under twenty minutes in March and July’s trio of Small Batch Series expressions also matured in wine casks.

“It’s a big year for us at The Glasgow Distillery, as we celebrate 10 years since our first casks were filled. This is a truly special 10-Year-Old release, an American white oak cask that previously held Sauternes wine. Being a refill barrique, the Sauternes influence is present but not overpowering, adding depth and flavour, resulting in a perfectly balanced single malt while still showcasing our decade-old spirit. The caramel and malty characters of the American oak are complemented by the rich poached pears and tropical fruit imparted by the Sauternes wine, creating a harmonious balance of whisky and wood,” said Mike Hayward, Founder

“We’re delighted to have collaborated with The Glasgow Distillery on this exciting release. We’ve long supported the new wave of Scottish distilleries, and The Glasgow Distillery has firmly established itself as one of the most innovative and inspiring producers right now. Their diverse core range, along with an impressive Small Batch Series, showcases great flavour quality and accessibility. It’s no wonder they’ve built such a passionate community around their whiskies.”

“This single cask marks their first 10 years of whisky making and is one of the most interesting examples of Sauternes cask matured whiskies I’ve tried recently, showcasing a balance of fresh apricots, salted butterscotch and honey. We’re proud to be launching it exclusively at the 23rd edition of Whisky Fringe this year at Mansfield Transquair, where The Glasgow Distillery will be joining fellow established distillers in the main hall for the first time,” added Sam Brabbs, Head Spirits Buyer at Royal Mile Whiskies

Tasting Notes:
Nose: Notes of runny honey and rich vanilla with hints of floral orange blossom leading to baked apple pie, stewed pears and dried apricot.
Palate: Honeyed sweetness and notes of vanilla pods meet Seville orange marmalade, ripe mango, rich toffee and baked fruits, all underpinned by a welcome lasting minerality.
Finish: Rich, with a nutty oiliness alongside sweet butterscotch, baked banana, earthy nutmeg and a warming ginger and cinnamon spice.

Kerala to Launch Brandy

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In a strategic push to boost local liquor production and capture the evolving preferences of Kerala’s spirits market, the state government has commenced construction of a state-owned brandy production facility at Malabar Distilleries Limited, Menonpara, Palakkad. The plant—a fully automated Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) unit—broke ground on July 7, 2025, and is expected to be operational within six months.

This marks Kerala’s formal entry into premium brandy manufacturing, aimed particularly at serving the northern districts, where brandy consumption dominates. In contrast, rum remains the preferred spirit in southern Kerala—a consumer insight that shaped both the location and product strategy of the initiative.

Scaling Up with Automation

The upcoming facility will house three fully automated production lines, capable of producing 13,500 cases per day. Initially, the plant will run a single shift employing around 40 workers, with plans to scale as demand increases. This is a significant leap from the current manual production of Jawan Deluxe XXX Rum, which yields only 6,000–8,000 cases daily.

Production at the plant will cover the entire value chain—from blending and bottling to capping and packaging—enabling complete in-house control and quality assurance.

A Jawan-Inspired Rollout

Although the brand name of the new brandy is under wraps, officials from Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco)—the state’s liquor monopoly—hinted that the marketing strategy will mirror the successful template used for Jawan Rum, now a trusted name in Kerala’s IMFL landscape.

Kerala’s `20,000 Crore Industry

In FY 2023–24, Kerala reported liquor and beer sales worth ₹19,088.68 crore, a 3% increase from the previous year. Taxes and levies contributed a massive ₹16,609.83 crore to the state exchequer, underscoring liquor’s role as a fiscal pillar.

Kerala’s IMFL market accounts for 90% of liquor revenue, with brandy (35%), beer (33%), and rum (27%) dominating consumption. Premium liquors—priced above ₹1,000 per 750 ml—make up just 4% of the volume, highlighting a strong preference for affordable brown spirits.

Interestingly, only 20% of the liquor consumed is produced within the state, with the rest sourced externally—a gap the new facility aims to narrow.

Kerala also faces limited retail access, with just 0.8 outlets per lakh population. Bevco is working to enhance distribution by launching air-conditioned premium outlets at strategic locations like Kochi Metro stations.

The government is concurrently exploring the production of fruit-based wines and spirits—using pineapple, mango, and banana—to support farmers and diversify beyond grain-based alcohol.

The brandy project is being executed by Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company Ltd., and is part of a broader blueprint approved in June 2022, with administrative sanction in July 2023, to establish five blending and bottling lines at Malabar Distilleries.

Originally set up in 2009 for IMFL production, Malabar Distilleries is now transitioning towards a premium spirits portfolio, aligning with the state’s ambitions to create a self-sustaining, publicly-led liquor ecosystem.

“The government sees liquor production as a sector that supports both employment and state revenue,” said Minister M B Rajesh. “We plan to begin production by February and ensure availability of high-quality liquor through public sector efforts.”

MPs Representing Agriculture and Wine Producers meet Amit Shah and Piyush Goyal

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A delegation of Members of Parliament representing farmers and wine producers, led by MP, Supriya Sule met Union Minister of Home and Cooperation, Amit Shah and also Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, Piyush Goyal to discuss issues related to the farming community and wine growers.

The delegation led by MP Supriya Sule comprised Members of Parliament, Dharyasheel Mohite, Bajrang Sonawane, Nitin Patil, Bhaskar Bhagare, Balyamama Mhatre, and Hemant Sawara; the Vice President of Sula Vineyards, Sanjeev Paithankar, and the President of the- All India Wine Producers Association (AIWPA), Jagdish Holkar.

The meetings in Parliament House on August 19 brought to the notice of Amit Shah the issue of agriculture finance and how farmers were impacted by CIBIL ratings due to delayed loan repayments. Lending institutions, they pointed out, were not considerate to the farmers who due to vagaries of nature have not been able to repay interest or loans on time.

In the meeting with the Commerce Minister, the delegation discussed the tariff on wine under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) wherein the tariff has been reduced from 150% to 75% on wines (more than US$15 per bottle CIF), to come down to 25% after 10 years. For wines above US$5 and less than US$15, the rates are 100% and after 10 years 50%.

Beer Industry Hit by Cans Shortage

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India’s beer industry is facing a shortage of aluminium cans, thus impacting the sales of canned beer. As per some estimates in the media the short supply could be around 12 to 13 crore and the beer industry is finding it difficult to keep up with the demand.

United Breweries Limited (UBL), a leading beer manufacturer and part of HEINEKEN Company, has confirmed that packaging delays have led to a 1 to 2 percentage point loss in growth of beer over the past six months. The Managing Director and CEO of UBL, Vivek Gupta in a Q1 FY26 earnings call mentioned that cans represent 22% of their overall business but are critical in key markets.

The limited production capacity of India’s three domestic can manufacturing plants, two owned by international giants Poland-based Canpack and US-based Ball Beverage Packaging, have affected the supply chain. All aluminium used for cans is imported, as the specific gauge required is not produced domestically, further straining supply chains. According to a source, Ball Beverage is planning capacity expansion and ‘talks are going on’, similarly Canpack which is the market leader is also investing in capacity. While capacity is one aspect, the industry is facing challenges from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with regard to certification, as the process is adding to delays, the source added.

Surging Demand, Continue to Import

The situation on the ground is that production capacities have not kept pace with demand. Though India is the second-largest aluminium producer globally, yet its domestic manufacturing alone can’t meet surging demand across industries, from construction to automotive and packaging.

In FY2025, imported aluminium accounted for a staggering 54–56% of India’s total consumption, highlighting deep import dependence.

Canned Beer Revenues Still Healthy

Despite the strained supply chain, revenues from canned beer segment are impressive. Research from WantStats Media indicates that the revenue of the Indian beer market by packaging type in 2024 was approximately $16.25 billion from Cans and $18.45 billion from Bottles. So, in value and volume terms, bottlesled the market, a market which is predominantly a glass-bottle market.

The cans segment is growing fast due to various features such as convenience of carrying, faster cooling, high recycling rate, blocks UV rays etc. The soaring demand, competition from soft drinks market and new BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification rules have been impacting production, causing stock-outs and lost growth, albeit temporarily.

Overall Demand Up

Overall, the demand for beer continues to grow. According to the Brewers Association of India (BAI), sales volume of beer went up to 450 million cases in 2024-25, up from 405 million cases the previous year. The nearly 10% increase in 2024-25 from the previous financial year, highlights the love for the ale by the consumer in India, a country largely known for drinking whisky.

Despite the supply chain hiccups, packaging in India has undergone a massive transformation. It is reported that the aluminium beverage can segment recorded a CAGR of 8.5% between 2019 and 2023, with forecasts suggesting a healthy 7.8% annual growth through 2032. It is indicated that the canned beer format is expected to grow at roughly 7.9% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. Expansions in production facilities are going to help in meeting the rising demand, though the pace of consumption presently is outstripping supply.

AGI Greenpac’s foray into cans

As per Persistence Market Research the Indian aluminium beverage can market (includes soft drinks manufacturers too) will double from $0.4 billion in 2025 to $0.8 billion by 2032, highlighting the immediacy for expanded capacity.

Gauging this, a leading manufacturer of glass and plastic containers, AGI Greenpac has made a bold play of getting into the aluminium can segment too. In July this year, AGI Greenpac announced that it would invest `1,000 crore in aluminium can manufacturing. The company is setting up a manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh with plans to produce 1.6 billion aluminium beverage cans annually. The rollout will happen in two phases: the first stage, adding 950 million cans per year, expected to go operational by the third quarter of FY 2027-28 and the full capacity timeline is March 2030.

The Chairman and Managing Director Sandip Somany has said, “This new venture offers strong synergies with our existing glass packaging business. Both categories serve the alcohol and F&B industries, allowing for leveraging existing customer relationships, distribution networks and supply chain efficiencies.”

Craft Beer Segment has a role too

The company has sensed the market which at one time considered canned beers a niche market, but now is quite the in thing as urban consumers seek convenience and sustainable choices. The craft beer market has had a role in this too as brands such as Bira91 and Kingfisher introduced canned offerings (Kingfisher Ultra Witbier in cans launched in Nov 2023) targeting urban millennials and Gen Z consumers in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Pushing sales up were e-commerce platforms as canned beer was unbreakable, lightweight, portable and fully recyclable. For beer companies it allowed them to announce product freshness while having the scope to play with distinctive designs to enhance brand appeal.

Smaller and craft beer brands, like Simba Beer, are particularly hard-hit, as larger brewers dominate the limited supply. Ishwaraj Singh Bhatia, Co-founder & COO of Simba Beer, has noted that cans drive significant off-premise and quick-commerce revenues. To mitigate the shortage, Simba has secured local can suppliers at higher costs and is exploring keg distribution in markets like Maharashtra and Goa, alongside expanding bottle formats to reduce reliance on cans.

Industry experts argue that backward integration, such as investing in new can manufacturing units, is not a viable solution for brewers due to high costs and expertise requirements. While new can plants are expected in the next couple of years, the immediate pressure on supply chains will persist, forcing brands to balance margins with consumer demand. Until capacity expands, the competition for cans is likely to remain intense, leaving smaller players with little bargaining power and pushing them toward more flexible packaging strategies.

BIS Certification, Slows Processes

Another factor that is affecting the supply chain is the introduction of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for aluminium cans which came into effect from April 1, 2025. The new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) require both domestic and imported cans to meet national standards, but the certification process is slow, often requiring inspections of overseas manufacturing plants. Vinod Giri, Director General of the Brewers Association of India (BAI), pointed out that international suppliers like Ball and Canpack face delays in shipping cans to India due to pending certifications.

The BAI has urged that the certification requirement be postponed to April 1, 2026, or exempt imported cans while allowing suppliers with pending applications to continue operations.

This supply constraint comes at a time when demand for canned beer is rising sharply, putting pressure on both brewers and retailers. The shortage is being driven by a mix of factors: global aluminium prices have turned volatile due to energy costs and geopolitical disruptions; India still depends heavily on imported beverage cans, so delays at ports or supply shocks quickly ripple through the market; peak consumption months such as March to June and October to December stretch supplier capacity even further; and, since COVID, a wide range of beverages—from energy drinks to ready-to-drink cocktails—are competing for the same limited can supply.

This supply constraint has emerged at a time when demand for canned beer is on a strong upswing, squeezing both brewers and retailers. Retailers are struggling to maintain inventory consistency, while they are keen on providing what the consumer wants.

This is indeed crucial considering that the annual per capita beer consumption in India is barely 2 litres and has ample room to grow compared to global averages. India’s overall beer market is projected to grow to 802.5 billion by 2033. Within this, the canned beer is set to outpace the broader category, fuelled by lifestyle changes, rising disposable incomes, and the continued spread of online alcohol sales, provided the supply chain falls in place.

Highlights:

BIS Standards for Aluminium Beverage Cans

IS 14407:1996: Specifies technical requirements and testing methods for aluminium beverage cans. It includes criteria such as material composition, coatings, seam integrity, pressure resistance, leakage prevention, and chemical stability. It applies to seamless two-piece drawn and wall-ironed (DWI) cans, impact-extruded, and ironed types, up to 500 ml capacity—intended for beer and carbonated beverages.

Certification under this standard ensures beverage freshness, consumer safety, recyclability, and regulatory compliance.

Certification Process & Timeline

Scheme: Covered under Product Certification Scheme (ISI Mark, Scheme I – Schedule 2) and is mandatory.

Testing Requirements: Rigorous testing is conducted for Material composition; Internal/external coating adherence; Seam and pressure resistance; Leakage prevention; and Impact resistance and chemical stability.

Timeline: Domestic (Indian) manufacturers: about 30 days and foreign manufacturers: about 180 days.

Gadkari unveils Praj BioVerse, Charts India’s Green Energy Future at World Biofuel Day 2025

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The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, set out an ambitious vision for India’s energy and mobility transformation at the launch of Praj BioVerse, an integrated bioeconomy platform, in Pune. The event coincided with the 10^th anniversary of World Biofuel Day celebrations in India and brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. Ambrosia was invited to this special event. Excerpts:

The gathering saw the presence of Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder-Chairman of Praj Industries; Sanjay Kirloskar, CMD of Kirloskar Brothers; and Vikram Gulati, Country Head of Toyota Kirloskar Motors, among other dignitaries.

100% ethanol-powered generator

Praj BioVerse is positioned as a hub to integrate innovation, industry, research, and policy to accelerate India’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The event’s highlight was the unveiling of Kirloskar’s 100% ethanol-powered generator, a milestone in India’s green energy innovation.

Dr. Chaudhari also released his memoir, ‘Horizons Beyond Dreams… As Is What Is’, chronicling his entrepreneurial journey and Praj’s role in advancing circular economy principles.

Farmers as Energy Providers

Gadkari in his address underscored a shift in the agricultural paradigm, from food-only production to fuel and energy generation, highlighting how ethanol blending has already transformed the fortunes of farmers. He cited the surge in corn prices from ₹1,200–1,800 per quintal to ₹2,600–2,800 in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

“This is not just an energy policy; it is rural economic empowerment,” Gadkari said, pointing out the dual benefit of reduced fossil fuel imports and increased farmer incomes. “Our farmers will not just grow food, but also fuel for aviation, construction equipment, and vehicles. The day we stop importing fossil fuels will mark a historic transformation.”

The Minister noted that India had overtaken Japan to become the third-largest automobile market in the world. He said the auto sector was also a significant contributor to GST, underlining its economic importance. However, he pointed out that 40% of the country’s air pollution came from automobile emissions, making it essential to adopt cost-effective, import-substituting policies focussed on alternative fuels.

He spoke about isobutanol, biodiesel, green hydrogen, and bamboo ethanol as promising alternatives to conventional fuels. He mentioned that India was on track to become the world’s leading automobile manufacturing hub and revealed that plans were underway to export Mercedes electric vehicles from the country. He envisioned a future in which India evolved from being an energy importer to a net exporter of clean fuels such as biofuels and green hydrogen.

Gadkari urged Indian industry to accelerate the shift to biofuels, emphasising their multiple benefits—reducing crude oil imports, boosting rural incomes, cutting emissions, and transforming agriculture. He added that the ethanol push had helped corn farmers secure better prices for their produce.

Transition to Biofuels

He reiterated that the transition to biofuels was also a key strategy for rural employment generation. He stressed that agriculture must become more economically viable and that the agricultural GDP needed significant growth. He recalled that the idea of producing ethanol from maize had initially faced criticism due to the “food vs fuel” debate, but noted that ethanol production had positively impacted the sector—raising corn MSP, increasing corn acreage, and resolving longstanding payment delays in the sugarcane industry.

Highlighting the future of sustainable energy, Gadkari said that isobutanol was emerging as an alternative to traditional diesel and spoke of ongoing efforts to develop and scale biodiesel as a cleaner substitute for diesel engines. He added that the burning of rice straw had reduced significantly thanks to its use in biofuel production, helping to combat air pollution in several regions.

He further stated that India was on track to become an energy-exporting nation, driven by biofuels, green hydrogen, and other alternative energy sources. He called for greater focus on bamboo cultivation and urged Praj Industries to explore its potential in bioenergy applications.

Referring to flex-fuel technology, he mentioned that he had been using a Toyota flex-fuel vehicle for a year, describing it as both fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. He expressed confidence that construction equipment would also transition to FFVs in the near future.

Looking ahead, Gadkari envisioned a future in which green energy revenues would empower India’s rural landscape. He said farmers would not only grow food, but also fuel for the aviation sector, construction machinery, and more. He concluded that the day India no longer imports fossil fuels would mark a truly historic achievement.

Praj BioVerse Unique Movement

In his address, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari said that Praj BioVerse was a unique movement bringing together innovation, collaboration, and sustainability within one powerful ecosystem. He explained that BioVerse was a place where ideas were transformed into solutions, where climate action progressed alongside economic growth, and where India’s leadership in the global bioeconomy took centre stage. He added that this aligned perfectly with the vision of Viksit Bharat by fostering inclusive growth and building a circular bioeconomy.

Dr. Chaudhari noted that in the current geopolitical and trade environment, energy security was no longer optional, but a strategic imperative. He stressed that Praj’s bioeconomy model, rooted in local systems and rural self-reliance, was both sustainable and scalable for nations worldwide. He described walking through the BioVerse experience as akin to witnessing the entire Indian bioeconomy value chain in action—from feedstock diversification and intercropping practices to advanced co-product innovations that ensured farmer profitability and steady supply chains.

He highlighted that Kirloskar Oil Engines had tested a B50 blend for the first time in India and that the Automotive Association of India was advancing ethanol–diesel blends while fast-tracking certifications for biofuel technologies meeting the highest standards of performance, safety, and sustainability. According to him, exhibits ranging from ethanol-powered bikes to next-generation engines demonstrated that technology and industry were ready to scale. However, he cautioned that this transformation required more than technology, calling for collective action from innovators, researchers, manufacturers, and policymakers to work together as one.

Vikram Kasbekar, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, said the company was among the first in the country to develop a flex-fuel two-wheeler capable of operating on blends starting from E20. He noted that since 2023, the entire product portfolio had been E20-compliant. According to him, the initiative was not just about technology, but also about supporting the circular economy, benefitting farmers, and reducing dependence on imported fuels. He added that the company had upgraded its technology so that modern ethanol-compatible engines delivered fuel efficiency comparable to traditional petrol engines, and that these vehicles were being well accepted in the market and running successfully.

Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, emphasised that most automotive companies today—both two-wheeler and four-wheeler manufacturers—have introduced flex-fuel vehicles capable of operating on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E100. He acknowledged that some barriers remained, but noted that these were being addressed with strong policy support from the Government, whether through enabling CAFE norms and taxation structures for OEMs or by creating the right environment for customers and the supply chain to adopt such fuels.

Carbon Trading

Gulati added that in the coming years, economies would increasingly be driven by carbon trading. He said India had a significant opportunity not only to use ethanol domestically and save billions in foreign exchange, but also to earn substantial carbon credits in the global market.

Sanjay Kirloskar, President of MCCIA and CMD of Kirloskar Brothers, said that to achieve the Prime Minister’s vision for 2047, India would require around 1,000 GW of generation capacity. He noted that fossil fuels would need to be phased out and that base-load power would likely come from nuclear energy. He observed that the dangers of fossil fuels were well recognised and that countries worldwide were investing in wind, solar, and nuclear energy together.

Kirloskar pointed out that Europe had implemented carbon border adjustment mechanisms that would affect exports from fossil-fuel-heavy economies, using the funds raised to invest in green technologies. He stressed that Maharashtra was uniquely positioned to lead in nuclear technology, as it housed most of the country’s nuclear establishments, EPC contractors, consultants, and major equipment manufacturers, including Godrej, Larsen & Toubro, and Kirloskar Brothers. According to him, if the state positioned itself strategically, it could drive manufacturing growth, high-tech jobs, and skills development.

Speaking about Kirloskar Brothers’ contributions, he said the company had pioneered titanium pumps for 2G ethanol biofuel production in India. Until now, these pumps had been entirely imported from the US, but he indicated that this would soon change, as every ethanol plant in India currently imported them.

Vishal Soni of Vishwakarma Publications talked about the book, the key takeaways being the clear vision, integrity and the journey of Pramod Chaudhari who is known as the ‘Ethanol Man of India’. The journey echoes how ‘confidence is key to success and preparation is key to confidence’.

Atul Mulay, President of Bioenergy at Praj Industries, while proposing the vote of thanks said the event reflected how collaborative efforts between industries and other research and development organisations helps in strengthening the bioverse ecosystem. Stating that Pune is a powerhouse of industrial technological development, he said that it is key to cleaner, greener and self-reliant future.

Radico Khaitan, Nikhil Kamath Invest in SRK & Aryan Khan’s D’YAVOL Spirits

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First Launch to be Premium Tequila
In 2022, Aryan Khan and Bunty Singh had launched luxury apparel and small-batch spirits
Radico Khaitan acquires 47.5% of D’YAVOL for Rs 40 crore

Radico Khaitan, one of India’s largest alcoholic beverage players, and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath have joined forces with Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and his son Aryan Khan to scale up D’YAVOL Spirits, a luxury alcohol venture set to debut with a high-end tequila.

Launched in 2022 by Aryan Khan and Bunty Singh as a lifestyle label, D’YAVOL first offered luxury apparel and small-batch spirits, later expanding into fashion with D’YAVOL X. The new spirits-focused entity will operate independently under CEO Leti Blagoeva.

The strategic alliance brings together Radico Khaitan’s manufacturing and distribution scale, D’YAVOL’s premium brand positioning, and Kamath’s consumer market expertise. The company will focus on “bottled-in-origin” international products, targeting affluent consumers in India and overseas.

Radico Khaitan has acquired 47.5% of D’YAVOL for Rs 40 crore, making it the largest shareholder. Apart from the Khans, the other founders of D’YAVOL are their friends Harprit Singh and his wife Leti Blagoeva who is the CEO, the total holding comes to 47.5%. Nikhil Kamath has invested 5% in D’YAVOL Spirits.

“With D’YAVOL Spirits, we are entering a bold new chapter—merging our blending, marketing, and distribution strengths with the charisma of Shah Rukh Khan, the entrepreneurial vision of Aryan Khan, and Nikhil Kamath’s disruptive approach,” said Abhishek Khaitan, MD, Radico Khaitan. “This is a long-term investment that aligns with our growth strategy while opening new avenues in luxury spirits.”

Khaitan added that Radico had no plans to enter tequila, “but when conversations happened with Shah Rukh… and when we saw the product created by them, we decided to partner with them.”

The first product, a premium tequila, is expected to hit the market within months, possibly before the fiscal year ends. Over time, the portfolio will expand to include more internationally sourced, high-end spirits.

Shah Rukh Khan said, “Every great idea needs the right energy behind it. With Abhishek’s experience, Nikhil’s passion, and our creative instinct at D’YAVOL, we are building something bold, relevant, and future-facing.”

India’s alcoholic beverage market is steadily moving upmarket, fueled by rising incomes and evolving tastes. Industry leaders are increasingly investing in design, provenance, and global appeal to capture the growing premium segment.

Radico Khaitan—known for Rampur Indian Single Malt and Magic Moments Vodka—has been expanding globally. The company says D’YAVOL Spirits will run alongside its existing portfolio, aiming squarely at younger, aspirational consumers.

Exclusive: Industry Veteran Suresh Menon dwells on impact on Street Prices of India-UK FTA

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The alcobev sector has been a part of two critical Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) – the one India signed with Australia in early 2022, and the more recent Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK. While the focussed beverage on the Australian one was wine, the UK agreement is focussed on spirits – notably whisky and gin.

Unlike most of the world, the Indian alcobev market is dominated by spirits whose share stands at circa 52%, compared to beer at just under 48%, with wine making up the minuscule remainder. To place it in a comparative context, the UK market is dominated by beer at nearly three-fourths of the market, followed by wine at a healthy 20%, with spirits bringing up the single-digit balance. Even within spirits, India is typically ‘browns’ country with whisky, brandy and rum having a dominant 96% share of all alcoholic spirits, with ‘white’ spirits (e.g., vodka, gin, tequila and flavored spirits) at a distant 4%. On the contrary, the UK is dominated by ‘white’ spirits at 60%, the balance 40% being ‘brown’ spirits (Figures are courtesy IWSR calendar year reports).

While exports of spirits from India to the UK have been traditionally subjected to NIL import duties at the UK end, India imposes an import tariff of 150% on all imports of alcoholic spirits from the UK.

Under the recent India-UK CETA, for whisky and gin, this will now come down to 75% on entry-into-force (EIF) or operational commencement of the CETA, followed by a phased annual reduction over ten years to a resting rate of 40%. For all alcoholic spirits other than whisky and gin, the comparable figures are 110% on EIF, going down over a ten-year period to a resting rate of 75%. However, this concession for all spirits (other than Whisky and Gin) will be subject to a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of USD 5 / USD 6 i.e., only imports valued abovethe threshold will be eligible for the concession – those belowthe threshold will continue to be charged at the current import tariff of 150%.

Whisky and Gin		Other Alcoholic Spirits
150%	Current Import Tariff (BCD + AIDC)	150%
75% ↓ 75%	On Entry into Force (EIF)	110% ↓ 40%
40% ↓ 110%	Phased annual reduction to a resting rate in Year 10 of	75% ↓ 75%
NA	Minimum Import Price (MIP)	USD 5 / USD 6*

*UOM unclear at present BCD – Basic Customs Duty

AIDC – Agricultural Infrastructure and Development Cess

The use of the term ‘Whisky’ in the CETA will make imports of all Whisky from the UK (e.g., those produced in Great Britain, Wales and Northern Ireland) eligible for the tariff reduction in addition to Scotch. The Rules of Origin embedded in the CETA mandate a minimum value addition of 35% within the UK to qualify for the beneficial import tariff into India.

While the intention of the reduction in tariff is to make it applicable to both forms of import – those imported in bottled form (also known as Bottled in Origin or BIO), as also to Bulk Spirit, imported to facilitate local production / bottling and to enhance the blend quality of Made-in-India products, historical HSN classification of the Bulk products may create some issues for imports which will need to be ironed out.

India is the largest importer of Scotch whisky from the UK in volume terms, primarily on account of its humongous import of Bulk Scotch, which constitutes nearly 80% of the country’s overall Scotch import. As mentioned earlier, the Bulk Spirit is used for bottling of Scotch whisky brands in India as also for blending with locally produced brands of IMFL.

While the Indian Cabinet has approved the CETA, the UK Parliament must approve the CETA before it can become effective – and hence the current expectations are that the EIF will be around mid-2026.

While state duties and taxes on Alcoholic Spirits vary state by state, on a national average they are in the range of 66-75% of the street price paid by consumers. That leaves a residual share of 25-34% to cover the CIF price (or cost of goods), local distribution and other expenses, customs tariffs (for imported products), local state levies (e.g., licence fees), and margins for the suppliers, wholesalers and retailers. When placed in this context, one can well visualise that the tariff reduction, though very welcome, is not going to have an earth-shattering impact on street prices. Additionally, given that the EIF is still some time away, various factors can impact the benefits of the tariff reduction, particularly in the current charged geopolitical environment of aggressive physical and trade conflicts – e.g., the INR-GBP forex rate, and the UK-India freight rates, to name only two.

That said, it’s a fresh and welcome reset to a long-standing trade relationship. Cheers to that!

Suresh Menon is a veteran of the Indian alcobev industry, having been a part of the sector for over 35 years – the views expressed herein are personal.