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Radico Khaitan All Set for National Rollout of Morpheus Luxury Whisky

After a strong start in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi, Radico Khaitan is all set to launch Morpheus Whisky to four new key markets, Karnataka, Haryana, Goa and West Bengal.

Radico Khaitan is expanding the footprint of its newly launched Morpheus Whisky in the Super-Premium segment across the country from Karnataka in South, Goa in West and West Bengal in East.

Morpheus was launched earlier this year as Radico Khaitan’s first-ever foray into the super-premium whisky segment. Radico Khaitan now aims to have a presence in more than 12 states by the end of FY 2026.

Speaking about the expansion, Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said, “India’s whisky market is evolving rapidly, with consumers increasingly seeking premium experiences that combine craftsmanship with character. Morpheus symbolises our commitment to shaping this next phase of growth. We are truly humbled by the love and enthusiasm Morpheus has received since its launch. The response has re-emphasised our belief that Indian consumers are ready to embrace a new standard of luxury in whisky.”

Adding to this, Amar Sinha, Chief Operating Officer, Radico Khaitan, shared, “Morpheus reflects our vision to lead India’s next phase of premiumisation. The early success of the brand highlights a growing demand for well-crafted, super-premium offerings that connect with consumers on both quality and emotion. With the kind of momentum we have witnessed, we are delighted to bring Morpheus to new markets as we continue to strengthen our presence across the country.”

Crafted with imported Scotch Malts and fine Indian grain spirits, and aged in bourbon barrels, Morpheus Super Premium Whisky offers a smooth, sophisticated taste with a distinct fruity and floral flair. Inspired by Morpheus, the Greek God of Dreams, the brand celebrates ambition, individuality and transformation, encouraging consumers to embrace their journey through its philosophy of “Be Your Dream”.

Reflecting the same thought in its design, the sleek bottle combines elegance with ease of handling, while the embossed Morpheus name on both sides creates a rich, tactile experience. The label, detailed with gold foiling at the base, symbolises the many layers within each individual that unfold over time, a beautiful metaphor for personal growth and discovery.

Further elevating its appeal is a Limited Collector’s Edition Pack, which features an exclusive gift box containing a premium hip flask and four coasters, making it an ideal choice for gifting or collecting during the festive season. Morpheus Super Premium Whisky is available in 750 ml, 375 ml, 180 ml, 90 ml and 60 ml SKUs, with 750 ml Bottle priced at Rs. 1190 in UP, Rs. 1400 in Rajasthan and Rs. 1100 in Delhi. For the upcoming new markets, a 750 ml Bottle of Morpheus Whisky will be priced around Rs. 1830 in Karnataka, Rs. 900 in Haryana, Rs. 900 in Goa, and Rs. 1400 in West Bengal. It is currently available in over 90% of A and B category outlets across existing markets of UP, Rajasthan and Delhi.

The Spirit of Kashmyr Saffron Vodka Review: First Exclusive

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After reviewing The Spirit of Kashmyr plain vodka, today we’re diving into its saffron-infused variant. And just to be clear – this isn’t saffron flavoured vodka, it’s saffron infused, crafted to capture the delicate aroma of the spice.

Before you continue reading this I’d recommend checking out my review of the plain vodka, since both share several similarities, except for one key difference in distillation.

Price & Availability

This saffron vodka is produced by Radico Khaitan – India’s largest vodka maker and a 750 ml bottle is priced at ₹3,000 in Uttar Pradesh, with an ABV of 37.5%, slightly lower than the plain vodka’s 42.8%. It’s now also available in Maharashtra at Rs. 4,000 and Rs. 3,300 and Goa, with more states to follow soon.

What Makes It Special

Like the original, the saffron variant is made from premium Basmati rice and pure Himalayan Spring water. The saffron infusion elevates it into a more premium offering, and given the ₹3,000 tag in UP, one can expect even higher pricing across other states.

The bottle proudly features the Crocus sativus flower – the saffron crocus – sourced from Pampore in Jammu & Kashmir, a region famed for producing some of the world’s finest saffron.

The Name & Tribute

As I mentioned in my earlier review, The Spirit of Kashmyr Vodka’s are Radico’s homage to the Kashmir region – and celebrating its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Packaging

The saffron edition mirrors the vibrant design language of the plain variant, this time in deep maroon-red hues. The bottle highlights the saffron flower, with “Indian Saffron Vodka” boldly printed across. The design draws inspiration from Kashmir’s landscapes – snow-capped peaks, saffron blooms, and a crystal-clear cork shaped to reflect mountain springs. The two-tone aesthetic adds a premium feel.

Also it mentions clearly on the bottle as well that there are no added flavours to this.

How it’s Made

Produced at Radico’s flagship Rampur Distillery, the saffron vodka follows the same meticulous process as the plain variant. It begins with multiple column distillations for a high-purity spirit. The saffron is then infused post the first distillation – adding subtle warmth without overpowering the base.

The spirit is further distilled slowly in copper pot stills for depth and smoothness, before being polished through silver, platinum and diamond-coated filters. The result is a crystal-clear vodka with remarkable finesse.

The creation is also overseen by Anup Barik, Radico’s renowned Master Blender, who has shaped number of products for them.

Nosing

Warm, floral notes
Light saffron spice
Refined and smooth

Tasting

Silky/creamy on the palate
Mild Spicy bite
mild honey-like sweetness
Long finish

Conclusion

This vodka is a bold step in Radico’s push into the premium space, following the success of Jaisalmer Gin and their luxury whiskies. The spirit itself is well-crafted and unique, but the challenge lies in pricing.

At ₹3,000 in UP (and likely higher elsewhere), it enters the territory of popular products like Grey Goose, Ketel One and Absolut. Whether it can carve its niche in that crowd will be interesting to watch. But as a product it is pretty good and surely something that you should try once.

The Spirit of Kashmyr Vodka Review

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What comes to your mind when you think about Kashmir? Snow-capped valleys, crystal-clear Himalayan waters or something else? Radico Khaitan wants to bottle that very essence in their latest creation – The Spirit of Kashmyr Vodka. Yes, this is the same Radico Khaitan that recently invested in Shah Rukh and Aryan Khan’s spirit’s venture and this time they are bringing two variants of this vodka – Natural (Classic) and Saffron.

Price & Availability 

The Spirit of Kashmyr is priced at ₹2,500 in Uttar Pradesh for a 750ml bottle with an ABV of 42.8%. It’s is now also launched in Maharashtra for Rs. 3500 in Maharashtra and Rs. 2,800 in Goa, with more markets to follow soon. Made from premium Basmati rice and Himalayan Spring water, it clearly aims for the luxury segment. That’s a smart move, considering the regular vodka category in India has been flat, while flavoured vodkas are seeing growth.

The Name 

The name draws from the rich culture and natural beauty of Kashmir. But don’t confuse it with Cashmir vodka by Piccadilly, which is made from winter wheat. Honestly we are loving the whole emerging Kashmir vodka vibe from Indian makers – it feels fresh and distinctive.

How It’s Made

Crafted at Radico’s flagship Rampur Distillery, Kashmyr is a small-batch, grain-based vodka. The process starts with multiple column distillations for a high-purity neutral spirit, followed by slow copper pot distillation for added smoothness and character. Finally, it’s polished through silver, platinum and diamond-coated filters for a clean, refined finish. The result? Crystal-clear vodka with refined smoothness. Credit for the blend goes to Master Blender Anup Barik, known for several standout Radico creations.

Packaging:

Now let’s look at the packaging. Vodka’s usually feature vibrant packaging, unlike whiskies and malts.

And I must add this possibly is one of the most vibrant I’ve seen. It features the Saffron Crocus flower, which is used for making saffron and in India – this flower is exclusively available in Kashmir and the bottle design features visuals inspired by Kashmir’s landscape, including Himalayan peaks and saffron flowers. It includes a clear cork designed to resemble mountain springs. I love the two-tone colour as well.

Nosing:

This is a natural vodka – which means no added infusions

Hints of vanilla and sweetness
Even with 42.8% ABV it doesn’t hit you hard, which means it is refined.

Tasting:

Creamy and smooth, with faint hints of grain
Slight bite of spice
Medium finish with warmness in the mouth

Conclusion:

So how is the Spirit of Kashmyr Natural Vodka? It is smooth and interesting. Radico is trying to target a premium product segment by paying homage to Kashmir. And with this vodka they are looking to bring their own twist to the segment. If you like Vodka’s then this is surely a try once atleast. And then you can decide if this deserves a place in your shelve.

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.

Radico Khaitan launches New Luxury Vodka – The Spirit of Kashmyr

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Radico Khaitan has announced its entry into the luxury vodka segment with the launch of ‘The Spirit of Kashmyr’. Having established itself in the premium whisky segment, Radico Khaitan now broadens its focus with an entry into high-end vodka.

Drawing inspiration from the cultural richness and natural heritage of Kashmir, the new vodka positions itself in the top-end of the Indian vodka category. The Spirit of Kashmyr is a small-batch, grain-based vodka distilled five times and charcoal-filtered for clarity. According to Radico -what sets it apart is its visual and vibrant packaging, a floral motif rendered in papier-mâché style, influenced by the artisanal legacy of Kashmir.

Available in two variants — Natural (Classic) and Saffron — the vodka is currently being introduced in select markets including Goa, followed by other key states in the coming months. Priced at ₹2,500 for a 750 ml bottle in Goa, the brand will be competing in the luxury tier, where vodka consumption in India has seen growing interest among urban consumers.This launch is in line with a broader trend of Indian players tapping into the country’s own cultural narratives to build globally relevant premium brands. With The Spirit of Kashmyr, Rooted in Indian heritage, the launch reflects a growing focus on blending premium craft with cultural authenticity.

Rampur Jugalbandi #6 named ‘Best World Single Malt’

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Rampur Jugalbandi #6, a limited edition Indian whisky has been named ‘Best World Single Malt’ at the 2025 John Barleycorn Awards held in the United States. The John Barleycorn awards are considered one of the most prestigious events in the global spirits world, and are judged by seasoned writers and industry experts.

Aside from this recently launched single-malt, two other Indian whiskies have also bagged awards for ‘Double Gold’ and ‘Gold in the Indian Single Malt Whisky – Tokaji Finish category’, respectively. Rampur Select secured a Double Gold, while Jugalbandi #5 earned Gold in the Indian Single Malt – Tokaji Finish category.

The Rampur Jugalbandi #6 is aged in rare Madeira casks in the north Indian climate, to attain the classic characteristics of the Rampur Single Malt whiskies.

Taste

The Jugalbandi series, #6, carries a pleasing aroma of floral and citrus notes, with a medley of fruits and caramelised pineapple and apricot on the palette. The alcohol by volume is 55.8 per cent.

Currently, this limited-edition Indian whisky is available in the Ospree Duty Free at Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, and the duty-free at Terminal 3 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Rampur Select was awarded Double Gold for its signature smoothness and fruit-forward character. It is priced Rs. 12,500 for a 750 ml bottle. The blend is aged in the foothills of the Himalayas and is described as the ‘Kohinoor of Single Malts’ by the brand. Rampur Jugalbandi #5 received a Gold for its elegant and experimental cask finish and is matured first in American Bourbon barrels and then Tokaji wine casks, which infuses the liquid with fruity, floral and honeyed notes. The official MRP has not been disclosed.

Radico Khaitan launches Morpheus Super Premium Whisky in Uttar Pradesh

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Radico Khaitan Ltd. recently announced the launch of Morpheus Rare Luxury Whisky in the Uttar Pradesh market. With this strategic rollout, the company expands its premium portfolio, eyeing the 18+ million cases segment.

A specially designed Collector’s Edition Pack will accompany the launch. This limited-edition pack comprises of a 750ml whisky bottle in an exclusive gift box containing branded bar collectibles with a beautifully inscribed brand story. The first 12 customers of Morpheus Whisky in each premium outlet will have the privilege of owning this special pack.

Uttar Pradesh, being a key market for Radico’s domestic whisky portfolio, the premium whisky segment is witnessing significantly faster growth. This strong momentum makes UP a vital state in Radico’s premiumisation strategy.

Amar Sinha, Chief Operating Officer at Radico Khaitan Ltd. stated, “The launch of Morpheus Rare Luxury Whisky in Uttar Pradesh is both a strategic and a symbolic milestone for Radico Khaitan. Introducing the new brands to this dynamic state reflects our continued commitment to elevating consumer experiences through innovation, quality, and legacy. We believe Morpheus will not only deepen our connect with aspirational consumers, but also reinforce our leadership in India’s evolving premium spirits landscape.”

Commenting on the launch, Sudhir Upadhyay, Executive Vice President, Radico Khaitan Ltd., said, “Uttar Pradesh remains one of our most strategically important markets, contributing a significant growth to Radico Khaitan’s domestic volumes. With Morpheus Whisky, we are not only strengthening our presence, but also aiming to increase our share in UP’s evolving spirits landscape. This launch is a bold step in our journey to lead the premiumisation wave and redefine consumer expectations in one of India’s most influential markets.”

Crafted with imported Scotch malts and fine Indian grain spirits, this new whisky is aged in Bourbon Barrels and delivers a signature fruity-floral flair & smooth sophistication. Positioned as “The Spirit of Dreams”, Morpheus is crafted to resonate with discerning consumers who dream beyond the ordinary.

Morpheus Super Premium Whisky is priced at ₹1190 for a 750 ml bottle in Uttar Pradesh. The product will also be available in pack sizes of 375 ml, 180 ml and 90 ml in UP.

Radico Khaitan, eyeing ₹500 crore from premium brands

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Radico Khaitan expects sales of ₹500 crore from its luxury brands in the next fiscal, according to its Managing Director Abhishek Khaitan. The premium brands are the famous Indian single malt ‘Rampur’ and the artisanal gin Jaisalmer Indian craft gin. The company has plans to add to more brands in the next fiscal.

The company has been experiencing robust sales and expects 8 to 9% growth in volumes and by 12 to 15% in terms of value. The prestige and above segments have been registering double digit growth and the company expects to close in the same range of about 15%.

Radico Khaitan’s luxury portfolio consists of Rampur Indian Single Malt, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin, Sangam World Malt and Spirit of Victory 1999 Pure Malt. “For the first time in Q3 (December quarter) we achieved a turnover of ₹100 crore (from premium) and for the nine months of FY’24, we have achieved ₹250 crore (turnover). We are very confident that for FY’26, Radico Khaitan should achieve ₹500 crore of turnover, just for the luxury segment only,” said Khaitan.

Radico Khaitan launches Spirit of Victory Pure Malt Whisky

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Whisky is a tribute to the valour displayed by our Armed Forces during pivotal moments in history; company’s commits to contribute part of the revenue from every bottle to the welfare fund of the Indian Armed Forces.

Radico Khaitan Ltd. uncorked the Spirit of Victory, beginning with the Premium XXX Rum in 2017. In 2022 the Lemon Dash Rum was added to the flavoured white rum portfolio. Following these launches in the Rum category, the company has launched its latest Spirit of Victory 1999 Pure Malt Whisky.

***Amar Sinha, COO, Radico Khaitan Ltd.***

The Spirit of Victory whisky is a tribute to the valour displayed by our Armed Forces during pivotal moments in history. This special collection pays homage to the bravery and sacrifices made by our soldiers in the 1965, 1971, and the poignant Kargil War of 1999. What makes this launch special is the company’s commitment to contributing a part of the revenue from every bottle sold to the welfare fund of the Indian Armed Forces. At the helm of this spirited journey is Amar Sinha, the Chief Operating Officer of Radico Khaitan, steering the company beyond being a beverage provider.

The Spirit of Victory 1999 Pure Malt Whisky involves blending different single malts, sourced globally, and expertly mixed with Radico’s Indian single malt to create a drink that is not only outstanding, but carries deep meaning. The story of the such an endevour begins in 2017 with the launch of the 1965 Spirit of Victory Premium XXX Rum.

By 2022-23, it achieved a significant milestone by selling over 1 million cases, receiving Gold Quality Awards for six consecutive years (2018-2023) at the Global Monde Selection Awards. The Spirit of Victory Lemon Dash Rum, introduced in 2022, expanded the line, entering the flavoured white rum territory. Both variants have become favourites, marking the 7th brand of the company to achieve the million- case club in March 2023.

The company is looking at reaching into the hearts and minds of consumers. From the ‘1971 War Chronicles’ animated series to the ‘Battlefield Dossier’ series on the “Spirit of Victory” YouTube channel, these efforts aim to educate the younger generation about patriotism and preserve the inspiring stories of our armed forces.

With the alcohol industry leaning towards premiumisation, the success of the 1965 Spirit of Victory Rum positions Radico Khaitan at the forefront of the premium category, challenging stereotypes and reshaping the industry.

Radico Khaitan to invest ₹900 crores in UP, makes commitment at Global Investors Meet

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• UP alcohol industry to get a boost with investments worth ₹16,392 crores

• Radico investing ₹650 crores in Sitapur 400KL grain distillery

At the recent Global Investors Meet in Lucknow, organised by the Uttar Pradesh government, Radico Khaitan, the fourth largest Indian liquor manufacturer, said it was committing investments worth ₹900 crores in UP, including the ₹650 crores in the new Sitapur 400KL grain distillery with an annual bottling capacity of 20 million cases.

Making a presentation on the opportunities for the liquor industry in UP, the Chief Operating Officer of Radico Khaitan, Mr. Amar Sinha said that the UP alcohol industry would get further boost as investments worth ₹16,392 crores would be made by different players. Radico is a major player in UP, contributing 24% (about ₹7,000 crores) of the state’s Excise revenue. Radico has Asia’s largest manufacturing plant in Rampur with three distilleries (molasses, grain and malt), Malt maturation facility and bottling lines, having invested about ₹1,500 crores. The Rampur plant recently converted its existing 140 KLPD molasses distillery into Dual Feed with an investment of ₹250 crores.

The Sitapur plant would generate 1000 direct and 2,000 indirect employments and contribute nearly ₹1,000 crores annually to the excise exchequer. The plant would manufacture IMFL, country liquor, ENA and Ethanol.

Giving an overview about Radico Khaitan which started in 1943, Mr. Sinha said that as one of the largest spirits manufacturer it was expanding capacity from 160 million litres to 327 million litres. It was strategically limiting interstate taxes and transport costs, having five own and 28 contract bottling units spread across the country. It was consistently increasing Prestige & Above brand contribution to total IMFL volumes; 53% in value terms. The gross revenue for FY 2022 was ₹12,470 crores with an EBITDA of ₹402 crores.

Radico Khaitan’s 8 PM has been the fastest growing whisky globally in 2022, being the 9th largest whisky globally by volume. Similarly, Magic Moments is the 12th largest vodka; Contessa, the 8th largest rum and Old Admiral, the 3rd largest brandy, all globally by volume.

UP volumes grown by 2.6 times

Mr. Sinha said with a progressive policy approach by the UP government, industry volumes had a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% for Indian Made Liquor (IML) and 13% for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). “Ever since the formation of the new government and policy, industry volumes have grown 2.6 times and we expect it to double in five years.” In 2016-17, UP distillery volume was 348.4 lakh cases of IML and 112.9 lakh cases of IMFL and the estimates for 2022-23 is 903.8 lakh cases of IML and 231.3 lakh cases of IMFL.

Highest excise revenue grosser

Citing figures, he said the excise duty collection had increased from ₹17,320 crores in 2017 to ₹40,400 crores in 2022-23 (estimated). Karnataka is a distant second at ₹24,580 crores. The UP revenue target for 2023-24 is ₹45,000 crores, having potential to touch ₹100,000 crores in five years.

To sustain this industry growth, an investment of ₹10,000 Cr has been made including an investment of ₹2,500 Cr in setting up grain capacity for potable liquor; molasses distilleries – ₹2,100 crores; bottling lines for country liquor ₹400 crores; present investment in IMFL (including ancillary industries) – ₹5,000 crores.

Mr. Sinha mentioned that UP was witnessing substantial flow of investments in the distillery sector with the Excise department having already got letters of intent worth ₹1,400 crores and signing 17 MoUs for setting up industries based on distillery, brewing and alcohol products. The state government has issued a mandate regarding approval of distilleries from different feeds such as molasses, grains, potatoes etc. and also eased rules for establishment of microbrewery in hotel bars. With a view to promote horticulture in the state, the government has exempted tax for five years for making fruit wine.

Simplified licensing process

The simplified licensing process, he said, was exemplary which many other states want to emulate. The ease of interaction with excise department has been transformational and like never experienced before in UP. Licenses are granted online in a timebound manner within 30 days after verification of all required KYC documents. The application is made online to the Commissioner of Excise through the concerned District Magistrate who then forwards his consent to Additional Chief Secretary (Excise & Sugar) and delivery of license is sent on WhatsApp besides online delivery. This process is applicable for all verticals like liquor, beer, winery, import and export permits.

Mr. Sinha mentioned that post 2017 (when Yogi Adityanath became the Chief Minister), the free market policy has been a game-changer. The government introduced a progressive excise policy, eliminated monopolistic nature of business and freed market at all levels of channels of distribution, starting from manufacturing to retail. While the consumer has a choice of brands, the industry has started expanding with a new level of confidence and exuberance.

Ethanol opportunity in UP

Delving on the ethanol opportunity in UP, Mr. Sinha said with ethanol blending target of 20% by 2025-26, there is a big opportunity for investment in grain distilleries for potable liquor and ethanol production. Giving an industry overview, he said the production of ethanol for blending with petrol was introduced in India in 2006-07 under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP). The initial target was blending of 5% ethanol with petrol by 2016-17 which got scaled to 10% by 2021-22 and revised to 20% by 2025-26. A 100 KLPD distillery would cost ₹120-130 crores (excluding land cost).

Ethanol production in August 2022 reached 327 crore litres and achieved blending ratio of 10.1% with UP contributed about 99 crore litres. The target is 1,016 crore litres by 2025 with sugar / molasses contributing 684 crore litres and grain 332 crore litres. Approximately 800-1000 crore litres of additional grain-based alcohol capacities are required by 2025 to meet the demand for 20% EBP and potable alcohol industry, thus opening up immense opportunities for grain distilleries in UP. The current India projects is 386 (molasses 263 and grain 123) and the capacity is 948 crore litres (molasses 619 and grain 329). The total UP projects is 85 (molasses 81 and grain 4) and the capacity is 209 crore litres (molasses 205 and grain 4).

Central Government initiatives

The Central Government has taken several initiatives for EBP and they include – Additional differential excise duty of ₹2 per litre on unblended fuel from October 2022; Financial assistance in the form of interest subvention @ 6% per annum or 50% of the rate of interest, whichever is lower for five years including one-year moratorium; Fixing remunerative prices of ethanol produced from different feed-stocks for the supply of ethanol to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs); Reduced GST on ethanol meant for EBP programme from 18% to 5%; FCI rice and maize also allowed as feedstock; Environmental Clearance procedures simplified by the Ministry of Environment; Enhancement of storage capacities to store ethanol started by OMCs; Use of automotive fuel E12 (12% ethanol with 88% petrol) and E15 notified; Flexi-fuel engine and components (capable of running up to E85 fuel) included under PLI scheme; and Amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels to make India energy independent by 2047. The total requirement for 20% blending and other uses is 1,750 crore litres of alcohol (650 crore litres from sugar sector and 1,100 crore litres from grain-based distilleries) by 2025.

Liquor consumption to rise manifold in India in 5 years

Mr. Sinha said liquor consumption in India is set to rise manifold in the next 5-years and cited Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report which mentions increase 3.5 times from ₹31 trillion (3.1 Lakh Crore) to ₹110 trillion (110 Lakh Crore) over the decade ending 2018 of domestic liquor consumption. The report estimates consumption in India to touch ₹335 trillion (335 Lakh Crore) by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.2%, from its 2018 level.

UP is the second largest producer of sugarcane in India with molasses as the by-product for the alcohol industry. With 23.1 lakh hectares under cultivation, the state advisory price is above the fair and remunerative price of the centre. It is pegged at ₹340 per quintal as against ₹280-310 in South. The output value of sugarcane grew 43.9% from ₹24,860 crore to ₹35,770 crore over the decade ending 2022.

UP driven to achieve $1 trillion economy

Giving an overall view of the UP economy, he said the government is driven to achieve $1 trillion economy goal by 2027. The state scored high on Law & Order; Infrastructure & Connectivity; Power; Work Force; Raw material; and lesser political intervention. UP’s contribution to Indian economy as GSDP India: 100, UP 8; GSDP growth rate: 11.5 %, UP 8.43%; Per capita GSDP (US$) – India: 2,092 | Uttar Pradesh: 1,016; Cumulative FDI inflow (from Oct 2019-Jun 2022) (US$ million) – India: 158,879 | Uttar Pradesh: 995.

Mr. Sinha cited that the Chief Minister’s vision was laudable and that according to the Mood of the Nation survey, conducted by India Today & C Voters, 39.1% of respondents consider CM Yogi Adityanath as the best performing chief minister in the country. The survey was conducted in 30 states, thus making a case for UP as the best investment destination.