Tag Archives: Ambrosia India

Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. brings Monarch Legacy Edition and Mansion House Brandy to Hyderabad Duty Free

Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. (TI), in collaboration with Fairmac Shipstores Pvt. Ltd., has launched its flagship Mansion House Brandy alongside Monarch Legacy Edition, the first release under the company’s new luxury vertical, House of TI, at Hyderabad Duty Free. Travellers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport can now experience the full spectrum of Indian brandy, from the award-winning Mansion House Brandy to the luxury offering, Monarch- 100% Pure Grape Brandy Legacy Edition.

 Amit Dahanukar, Chairman & Managing Director of Tilaknagar Industries said “It’s exciting to expand our presence further in the travel retail sector, which is such an important space for showcasing Indian spirits on a global stage. Hyderabad Duty Free is a significant expansion in this, as it serves as a gateway for both Indian and international travellers. With Mansion House, we are bringing a trusted favourite, and with Monarch Legacy Edition, we are introducing a new luxury take on Indian brandy. Together, they highlight where the category has been and where it is headed.” 

Sanaya Dahanukar – Marketing Manager of Tilaknagar Industries Ltd., commented, “Brandy has always enjoyed a strong following in Southern India, with nearly 98% of the brandy consumption concentrated within the region, and Hyderabad is an important gateway for that audience. At Duty Free, we are able to offer travellers both sides of the brandy story — the nostalgia of Mansion House and the sophistication of Monarch Legacy Edition.”  

Ankur Jain Clarifies on Bira91 Crisis; Mixed Reactions

The Founder and CEO of Bira91, Ankur Jain in a LinkedIn post has briefly addressed his ‘team’ on the ongoing crisis and there has been mixed reaction to the post, some baying for his blood, while others hoping that the brand will bounce back.

Jain’s post read “Most of you may have read media articles about the company in the past couple of days and I would like to address these articles and share light on the direction in which we are headed.

“First, my singular focus is on completing the fundraise and protecting the interests of Bira 91 and its employees. My commitment to Bira 91 and to each of you is foremost: I am in discussions with investors to secure the capital required to protect your interests and stabilize the business. A lot of you may have read recent media coverage on the progress we have made on capital raise in the recent days – and while there are still many bridges to cross, we are confident that we will be able to bring these efforts to a positive conclusion, subject to co-operation of our investors. All stakeholders have been supportive of positive outcomes for the company in the past, and we are sure that they will continue to stand by the company and support our efforts.

“Second, it is my commitment that employees are being and will be prioritized in entirety in the fundraise efforts. I am keenly aware of the disappointment and distress, however, trust me – no employee’s interest will be sacrificed as we succeed in our efforts. In the last ten plus years, my attempt has been to ensure that payroll goes out on time, even at the cost of other critical investments. Our track record from 2015 to early 2025 has demonstrated this value and prioritization, and I am confident continuing the same culture with the new fundraise. We have seen negative press on the company recently – which is inaccurate in several facts, unsubstantiated and driven by convoluted and cynical objectives. Despite this speedbump, I am optimistic that we will bring back Bira 91 on the growth highway.

“Third, I along with the management team are standing firm and are doubling-down on our efforts to restore the company to the heights we achieved together – including to raise capital and accelerate business operations. We are here to stay, and I firmly believe, no one cares about this team, brand and organization more than this leadership team. We are certainly the most committed team that wants to bring this company back to its much deserved health, and in short order, we will get there.”

A strong reaction came from Arun Purohit, a minority stakeholder in Bira, who said that Jain’s post was generic and did not address specific issues damaging the reputation of the company.

Purohit questioned “Why was the renaming planned and executed in such horrible/haphazard way that BIRA disappeared from all stores for months? Why proper compliance officers who handle excise and interstate logistics were not consulted?”

He also pointed to news items wherein some key employees had sought the removal of Jain from the post of CEO and wanted to know what brought things to this abysmal level. “The tone of your post communicates -BIRA is struggling for its fund raise. It doesn’t have clear support of existing investors today. I didn’t subscribe to the Rights issue. Thumb rule of investing: You are not ready for funds when seeking the investors out but when they are seeking you.”

Purohit concluded that Bira needed good management guidance and a person who can speak truth to the CEO. “Sycophants around will only drive you down the doom loop.”

A similar reaction came from Kedar.D who said “Bira91 asked employees to resign the same day, no warning, no option. HR was furious if someone delayed resignation by even a day — but now it’s been months and not a single full & final or Provident Fund has been cleared.

“You promised to pay dues and protect employees — but those same people are struggling with home loans, kids’ fees, and family needs.

“You don’t even reply to mails. Instead, you come here on LinkedIn to sound  sympathetic.
Should I post screenshots of the conversations and promises made?” Kedar also questioned
Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd and Peak XV Partners asking them whether this is “your definition of leadership and accountability?”

Kirin, a global brewing major that owns around 20.1% of Bira 91, has been a key strategic investor since 2021. The Japanese company, known for its Kirin Ichiban beer, entered India through Bira to capture a share of the country’s rapidly growing premium beer segment. Peak XV (Sequoia Capital) was the largest shareholder in Bira with 24.83% holding.

There are vendors who have posted that their bills have not been cleared, one mentioned a bill of Rs. 17 lakhs pending.

Akshay Tiwari in his reaction to the post said he knew an employee whose daughter had been sent back home from school for not paying fees and a person who had defaulted on home loan. “You have literally destroyed people’s lives.”

But there are many who are backing Ankur Jain and the brand Bira to bounce back from these troubling times. The Senior Vice President, Chief of Integrated Supply Chain and People at Bira91, Sudhir Jain said “I am confident that Bira 91 will bounce back.”

Sources have told Ambrosia that there are a number of employees who haven’t got their salary arrears and also vendors who haven’t got their due payments running into lakhs, waiting to see how this plays out and then file criminal cases against the CEO. Sources reminded that this was playing out like Kingfisher where the employees who were left in the lurch filed court cases.

How Ankur Jain is going to navigate through these difficult times, remains to be seen. However, one aspect is crystal clear – those in the alcobev industry have to be up to date with the quagmire of excise rules of the various states, if they need to survive.

Bira91’s Crisis Intensifies

  • The genesis of the crisis was changing name from a ‘Private Limited’ to a ‘Limited’
  • Every state excise department operates as a separate ecosystem, compliance accordingly matters
  • B9 Beverages Limited reported accumulated losses of Rs. 1,904 crore for FY2024

Once the toast of India’s new-age alcoholic beverages market, Bira91, the youth-focused beer brand that helped popularise craft brewing across urban India, is now in deep trouble, hit by a combination of regulatory missteps, cash flow pressure, employee unrest and investor anxiety.

The company, B9 Beverages Limited, which built its image around fun branding and innovative brews, is battling a perfect storm that has left operations disrupted, morale shaken, and market share eroding across key states. The auditor of B9 Beverages has reported that the company’s net worth has fully eroded. In its report for the fiscal year 2024, the auditor noted that the group is exposed to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk, impacting the fair value of its financial instruments.

What first began as a routine legal formality converting from a “Private Limited” to a “Limited” company ahead of a proposed IPO, quickly snowballed into a full-blown crisis. Under India’s highly fragmented and state-driven excise regime, even a small change in company name triggers a cascade of fresh licensing, label registration and regulatory approvals. Bira91 was caught in the regulatory mess.

The state excise departments treated the name change as a new entity altogether, effectively blocking the sale of its products until new clearances were obtained. Overnight, inventory worth an estimated Rs. 80 crore was rendered unsellable because packaging and labels carried the old entity name. Warehouses piled up with stock that couldn’t be invoiced, distributors were left stranded, and sales teams were left explaining to retailers why one of India’s most visible beer brands had suddenly vanished from shelves.

Regulatory Bottlenecks Lead to Financial Distress

As regulatory bottlenecks dragged on for months, the financial impact deepened. For FY24, it reported accumulated losses of Rs. 1,904 crore, negative cash flow of Rs. 84 crore, and liabilities exceeding assets by Rs. 619.6 crore as of March 31, 2024. The company is yet to file its financials for fiscal 2025.

Volumes have dropped from roughly nine million cases to about six million. For a company that once prided itself on doubling output every year, the reversal is steep and painful.

Liquidity quickly became the next casualty. Employees across multiple offices began complaining of delayed salaries and reimbursements, vendors said payments were months overdue, and even statutory dues like provident fund contributions and TDS remittances reportedly lapsed. In an effort to bridge working capital gaps, the company turned to fintech platforms such as KredX to raise short-term funds by discounting trade receivables, but even those arrangements began showing strain, with some investors reporting delayed interest payouts.

Ankur Jain, Founder-CEO, BIra91

Internally, the crisis has sparked serious governance turmoil. In September this year, over 250 employees signed a petition demanding the removal of Founder-CEO Ankur Jain, alleging lack of transparency, poor communication and non-payment of dues. The employee strength of the company has come down drastically from over 700 to barely 260. “There’s no clarity from the top, and even HR doesn’t have answers,” one former mid-level executive lamented.

For investors, the crisis has not been any different. Bira91 had attracted marquee backers including Japan’s Kirin Holdings, Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India), and Sofina. The brand was widely viewed as a rare Indian startup that had cracked the consumer lifestyle code, blending bold design with mass appeal. The proposed 2026 IPO was to be its coming-of-age moment, a chance to exit early investors and showcase scale profitability. Instead, the company finds itself firefighting on multiple fronts, scrambling to raise fresh funds to simply stay afloat. Reports suggest negotiations are underway for a Rs. 500-crore structured debt infusion from BlackRock through the promoter group, but those close to the talks say due diligence has been protracted given the scale of losses and ongoing regulatory uncertainties.

Damage Control Mode On

According to some reports, the company has been in damage control mode, restarting sales in some states, cutting fixed costs, and resetting its compliance roadmap. Delhi and Uttar Pradesh markets are reportedly back online, though Haryana and a few others remain mired in paperwork. The company brought in Vikram Qanungo as Chief Financial Officer, replacing Meghna Agrawal. It is working on streamlining operations and putting in place new governance protocols.  Insiders say the focus now should be on cost rationalisation and restoring confidence among distributors and employees.

Industry observers see the episode as a cautionary tale for India’s alcobev sector, where every regulatory nuance matters. A name change that would be routine in most industries became a nightmare because excise laws treat such events as new entities altogether. In the alcobev sector if one is operating in 10 or 12 states, that means one has to reset one’s business that many times. The case underscores the fragility of scaling in a market where compliance, not consumer demand, often determines survival.

For years, Bira91 symbolised the aspiration of India’s urban millennials, fun, contemporary, and proudly local. Its colourful monkey logo became an icon of the “new India” bar culture. The brand’s rapid rise between 2015 and 2020 was driven by aggressive marketing, smart positioning and flavour experimentation, from white ale to IPA, making beer cool again for a generation raised on mass lagers. But the same velocity that powered its rise also resulted in its fall. The push for rapid expansion ahead of an IPO, without sufficient compliance buffers or cash discipline, left the company over-leveraged and exposed.

The immediate challenge now is survival, ensuring that distributors return, vendors get paid, and employees regain trust. But the question is, can it rebuild credibility with investors and regulators alike? Analysts say the fundamentals of the Indian premium beer segment remain strong, with per-capita consumption still among the lowest in Asia and rising disposable incomes driving steady growth. Bira91 could yet stage a comeback if it can stabilise operations and re-establish regulatory compliance. That is a big ask, as of now.

Rebuild Compliance Network

The company has to focus on a few key points—rebuild compliance network by mapping every state’s regulatory nuance before corporate actions; exercise tighter cash flow management with full transparency on employee and statutory dues; prioritise core markets where licences are active and distributors loyal; and restore governance credibility.  Bira still has brand equity, though dented, as of now.

The broader takeaway for the industry is clear: the alcobev business in India is not just about branding and flavour, it’s about regulatory foresight and disciplined execution. Even large, well-funded players can falter if they underestimate how state excise frameworks respond to structural changes. With every state operating as a separate ecosystem, a single oversight can cascade into months of paralysis. For startups and established companies alike, the lesson is that growth must be matched by governance.

As things stand, Bira91’s journey reads like a case study in how quickly success can unravel in a sector where compliance is king. The brand that once defined India’s craft beer movement now faces the challenge of its life, navigating the quagmire of regulation, rebuilding financial credibility, and re-earning the trust of the very people who made it a good brand. The next couple of months is going to be critical for the brand. Will it emerge from the crisis, it remains to be seen.

Competition Commission Clears Tilaknagar Industries’ Acquisition of Pernod Ricard’s Imperial Blue

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given the green signal to home-grown alcoholic beverage maker Tilaknagar Industries’ Limited (TIL) proposal to acquire the Imperial Blue whisky business from the Indian arm of French liquor giant Pernod Ricard for Rs 4,150 crore.

In July this year, TIL had announced that it was set to acquire the Imperial Blue whisky business from Pernod Ricard at an enterprise value of 412.6 million Euros (around Rs 4,150 crore).

CCI in a post on X said “Commission approves the acquisition of the business of production, bottling, marketing, and sale of alcoholic and other beverages under the ‘Imperial Brands’ from Pernod Ricard India Pvt Ltd by Tilaknagar Industries Ltd.”

The acquisition will make TIL, which owns brands such as Mansion House Brandy, Courrier Napoleon Brandy, Mansion House Gold Whisky and Blue Lagoon Gin, a leading player in the fast-growing whisky market.

TIL and Pernod Ricard India had entered into a definitive agreement for the transaction related to the sale of the Imperial Blue business division (IB). The consideration includes a deferred payment of 28 million euros (Rs 282 crore as of date) to be paid four years after the date of the closure of the transaction, said a joint statement.

Imperial Blue is the third-largest whisky brand in India by volume. It has reported a revenue of Rs 3,067 crore for the year ended March 2025.

India is the second-largest market for Pernod Ricard. With a consolidated sales revenue of Rs 26,773.22 crore in FY24, Pernod Ricard India is the largest spirit maker in India. TIL had reported a revenue of Rs 1,405 crore and EBITDA of Rs 226 crore for the year ended March 2025. In the September quarter, it had become net debt-free after successfully restructuring its debt.

Cashmir Vodka Review | Piccadilly’s Winter Wheat Vodka

Piccadilly Distilleries has now entered the vodka segment with Cashmir Craft Vodka. This premium small-batch vodka takes inspiration from Kashmir and sets itself apart with its unique base ingredient—Sona Moti Wheat, also known as the Golden Pearl.

Price & Availability
Cashmir Vodka is priced at ₹1,800 in Goa for a 750 ml bottle, with an ABV of 42.8%. It is currently available across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Daman, and Uttar Pradesh. 

How It’s Made
Sona Moti Wheat, used in Cashmir Vodka, is believed to have been rediscovered after nearly 2,000 years. With its rich golden grains, this wheat has deep roots in Indian culinary heritage. Piccadilly revived it by cultivating and replanting over 200 acres, a process that took six years – post acquiring a handful of grains from a farmer based in Punjab. 

Produced in small batches, Cashmir Vodka uses pristine water from Kashmir. The spirit undergoes seven rounds of distillation followed by five stages of activated carbon filtering for purity and smoothness. To further refine the liquid, it is polished with mango wood charcoal to remove bitterness, and finally filtered through platinum, gold, and silver—giving it a silky and refined texture.

The vodka is curated by Master Blender Surrinder Kumar (the mind behind Indri-Trini and Camikara), the vodka is positioned as a premium contender in its category.

Packaging
In contrast to the often flashy vodka segment, Cashmir opts for elegance and subtlety. The label features a holographic window that, when viewed through, reveals a snow-capped mountain. Iconic Kashmiri motifs—flora, fauna, and even the Shikara—adorn the design in a soft golden hue.

The bottle also states clearly that this vodka is non-hybrid, 100% vegan, and contains no added sugar, making it transparent and consumer-conscious.

Nosing

  • Clean and neutral nose
  • Gentle grain sweetness from wheat
  • Soft minerality

Tasting

  • Smooth, elegant mouthfeel
  • Subtle Vanilla sweetness with spicy bite and crisp dryness
  • Refined texture 
  • Long, Medium finish with a silky character

Conclusion
So how is Cashmir Vodka? 

At a price point of ₹1,800 – it competes with imported vodka brands while offering something distinctly Indian. Its story—the revival of Sona Moti Wheat, gives it authenticity and depth and for vodka lovers – it’s a spirit that can be tried once for sure.

Indri Agneya Whisky Review: Peated Indian Single Malt

Piccadilly Distilleries launched Indri Agneya recently – a lightly peated expression of its famous Indri Trini Indian Single Malt. That was launched back in 2022 and we reviewed that as well. Indri Agneya is an expression that is slightly different from the original, the Agneya is a dual-cask expression with a peated profile whereas Trini is aged in triple casks.

Price & Availability

Coming back to Indri Agneya – it is produced at Piccadilly’s Indri distillery in Haryana and is priced at ₹3,800 for a 750 ml bottle, with an ABV of 46%. It is currently available in Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Daman, and Goa, with more states and select international markets joining soon. 

The price ranges from Rs. 3,800 – Rs. 8,000 with the most expensive being in Maharashtra. 

How It’s Made

The name “Agneya” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “belonging to fire,” a nod to its smoky character. This expression uses indigenous six-row barley and is matured in Sherry and Bourbon casks.

According to Master Blender Surrinder Kumar, this is one of the most refined single malts they’ve made to date. The barley is gently kilned over peat smoke, allowing smoke to enhance rather than dominate the spirit. This ensures the whisky stays balanced and doesn’t lean too heavily on smoky intensity — a common challenge with peated malts.

Packaging

Agneya comes in a bold black bottle that stands out from the Trini’s design. The label highlights that it’s non-chill filtered and has no added colour. It even mentions that the whisky might appear slightly cloudy in cooler climates, completely natural.

The whisky itself has a deep, dark brown hue and the bottle design, with its striking black cap, gives it a premium, confident look.

Nosing

  • Light smoke
  • Delicate chocolate & vanilla sweetness
  • Warm spice
  • Fruity flavour – possibly apple and apricot
  • Earthy peat dust

Tasting

  • Sweet profile, toffee nutty flavour with gentle spice
  • Warm wave of peat smoke
  • Long finish with bite of spice

Conclusion

How is Indri Agneya? At Rs. 3,800 it is Picadilly’s bold expression.

Peated whiskies are usually an acquired taste, but this one feels refined and inviting. If you’re a fan of Indri or curious about exploring peated malts without going full Islay-style, this is definitely worth trying. It’s a confident step forward in India’s single malt journey and one that whisky lovers will appreciate.

Cashmir Vodka Recognized with Gold at The Vodka Masters 2025

Cashmir Vodka has been awarded Gold in the Organic category at The Vodka Masters 2025. The vodka launched in May 2025 is distilled from Sona Moti, an ancient heritage variety of organic winter wheat that has been revived after nearly vanishing from cultivation. 

The vodka undergoes seven rounds of distillation and five stages of filtration, including activated carbon, mango charcoal, and precious metal layers. It is then blended with glacial water sourced from the Kashmir Valley.

The Vodka Masters is an international competition that recognizes excellence across multiple vodka categories, with entries assessed through blind tastings by panels of distillers, writers, and industry experts. The Organic category highlights vodkas that adhere to strict organic production standards.

This recognition reflects the increasing presence of Indian craft spirits in international competitions and highlights the growing demand for premium organic options in the global vodka market.

Hendrick’s Gin Limited Edition Oasium Released

Hendrick’s Gin has introduced limited edition—Hendrick’s Oasium, distilled by its Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie, and filled with herbs and vibrant fruits. Hendrick’s Oasium is the latest addition to Hendrick’s Cabinet of Curiosities. It’s designed for gin lovers who like something new and intriguing, with a flavour that’s enjoyed with cucumber and tonic.

 With bright citrus and herbal notes, this limited release features desert-inspired botanicals that elevate the crisp, green flavours.

Lesley Gracie, Master Distiller at Hendrick’s said, “It was fascinating to see what plants grow and thrive in an oasis; there are things you wouldn’t expect and some others that you absolutely would. There’s a very distinctive, green, fresh character to Hendrick’s Oasium and a specific bright citrus note from some particularly small desert botanicals. This is rounded off by a lovely depth of flavour and the aromatic oasis herbs tie it all together. I always take inspiration from my surroundings and playing polo on camels was hilarious. Whenever I see the palm trees at Hendrick’s Gin Palace I’m transported back to that day when I fed my camel cucumbers, which it enjoyed immensely. It was so much fun I just had to capture that day in a gin as a way of keeping that memory forever!”

It can be had as Oasium and Tonic, garnished with cool cucumber slices; Oasium Fizz, twist on the Paloma, mixing with pink grapefruit, lime juice, and soda; and Oasium Pegu Club, where citrus botanicals shine alongside orange liqueur, lime, and bitters.

Ally Martin, Hendrick’s Global Brand Ambassador added, “Given Hendrick’s Oasium is inspired by a curious oasis, we wanted to lean into that with the suggested drink serves. First and foremost, as with all our releases, Hendrick’s Oasium works wonderfully in a Gin & Tonic. An alternative long serve is the Hendrick’s Oasium Fizz which is akin to a Paloma. The grapefruit works so well with Hendrick’s Oasium and the bright and zesty notes of the gin, coupled with a little sugar and soda to lengthen, is a winner when gathering friends together.”

“Hendrick’s has always championed the art of the unusual, and that’s what sets us apart in the premium white spirits category. We’ve consistently rewarded consumer curiosity, not just with the gin itself, but through immersive experiences, whimsical storytelling, and unexpected collaborations. In a world that’s constantly changing, the launch of our limited edition, Hendrick’s Oasium reflects our commitment to re-engage audiences in a refreshingly curious way that has helped Hendrick’s remain a beloved choice for those who seek something truly distinctive,” said Sachin Mehta, Managing Director, William Grant & Sons. Hendrick’s Oasium is available in select regions such as Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Goa and Kolkata.

Carib Brewery Enters India with Premium Strong Beer

Caribbean-headquartered Carib Brewery has launched its Carib Premium Strong Beer in India, marking a key milestone in the brand’s international expansion. Carib’s entry into India is in partnership with Globus Spirits Ltd., a leading player in India’s alcoholic beverage industry. The beer is being locally produced through Globus Ansa Private Ltd., a joint venture between Globus Spirits and Carib’s parent company, Ansa McAL.

“At Globus Spirits, we’ve always believed in crafting experiences that transcend borders—and Carib Premium Strong Beer is a perfect reflection of that,” said Shekhar Swarup, Joint Managing Director, Globus Spirits. “This launch is more than introducing a new beer; it’s about celebrating the spirit of two vibrant cultures brought together by cricket, bold flavours, and good times.”

Targeted initially at five key cities in Uttar Pradesh—Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj—Carib Premium Strong Beer is crafted to appeal to Indian preferences. With 8% alcohol by volume, a medium body, and a crisp, floral finish, the beer is designed to pair well with India’s spicy and flavour-rich cuisine.

The India launch is part of a broader international strategy led by Adrian Sabga, Managing Director (International & Business Development) at Carib Brewery, who has identified India and Greece as focus markets by the end of 2025. This push is supported by a $200 million investment in a modernised production facility in Champs Fleurs.

June 2025 Issue is out!

It features interesting articles like:
• Vinexpo Asia calls for rules-based trading, amid tariff issues
• Jonas Gustav Ax on Patrón El Alto and Bacardi’s big tequila bet in India
• Labels that lead: Inside India’s evolving beer aesthetic
• How Simon de Beauregard is rewiring Pernod Ricard India’s digital game

Register now to access free e-versions visit www.ambrosiaindia.com

Raising a Toast to Transitions

Subscribe to the magazine here!

The Indian alcobev landscape is never still. Much like the beverages it
celebrates, the industry is constantly fermenting new ideas, distilling fresh
opportunities and occasionally – as we’ve seen this month – grappling with
heady challenges.


As we raise a toast to our June 2025 issue, the spotlight turns to three compelling themes:
the potential of wine exports, the shifting aesthetic of Indian beer culture, and the impact of
the Maharashtra government’s latest hike on liquor taxes. Each story is a reflection of the
larger dynamics at play in the country’s rapidly evolving drinking culture and marketplace.
Not all developments this month have been celebratory. The Maharashtra government’s
recent hike in liquor taxes — one of the steepest in the past three years — has stirred concern
across the value chain. Distributors, retailers, and premium brand owners are scrambling to
recalibrate pricing without losing consumers to parallel markets or lower-cost alternatives. In
our in-depth report on this issue, we explore the ramifications for both local businesses and
global players invested in India’s most lucrative alcobev state.

Equally vibrant is India’s beer revolution. Gone are the days when choice was limited
to a handful of lagers. Today, the urban consumer is spoilt for choice — from juicy IPAs to
Belgian-style saisons, and even experimental local brews with Himalayan herbs or jackfruit.
In “India’s Evolving Beer Aesthetic”, we unpack how new-age consumers – particularly
millennials and Gen Z – are embracing beer and also how new age brands are using aesthetics
to appeal to the consumer. Breweries are now story-driven, design-forward, and increasingly
sustainable. Beer in India has matured – not in age, but in attitude.


Now let’s talk about wine. For international producers eyeing India, the market has moved
beyond the metros. As our lead feature “How to Successfully Export Wine and Increase Sales
in India” outlines, success lies not just in logistics or pricing, but in understanding India’s
diverse palates, regional food pairings and growing interest in wine education. Wine tourism,
influencer-led tastings and digital-first sales strategies are beginning to bridge the gap between
producer and consumer. India isn’t merely an emerging wine market — it’s an expressive one,
and brands that acknowledge this nuance will find a loyal, curious audience.


Amid these dynamic shifts, this issue also brings you a curated selection of insightful
reads. For those curious about the business side of things, we feature candid conversations
with industry insiders navigating regulation, trends and consumer engagement.
June may be the start of monsoon season, but in the alcobev industry, it’s anything but
a slowdown. The skies may cloud, but the vision for India’s alcobev future remains sharp,
vibrant and full of flavour.