India Leads Global Alcohol Consumption Growth for Third Consecutive Period

India has once again demonstrated robust growth in the beverage alcohol sector, leading 20 key global markets for the third consecutive half-year period, according to data from global alcohol research firm IWSR, as reported by The Times of India. In the first half of 2025 (January-June), India's total beverage alcohol (TBA) volume increased by 7% year-on-year, crossing the 440 million 9-litre case mark.

Indian whisky continues to be the dominant force within the spirits category, registering a 7% rise to over 130 million 9-litre cases. Other spirits also saw positive growth, with vodka up 10%, rum up 2%, and gin and genever up 3% during the same period. This growth is attributed to improving quality of domestic products, an expanding consumer base, and favorable economic conditions, with consumers increasingly opting for premium and above price bands.

Impact: This sustained growth indicates a strong and expanding consumer market for alcoholic beverages in India, positively impacting manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. It signals significant potential for further investment and market expansion within the sector. The trend of premiumization suggests higher revenue potential per unit sold.

Impact Rating: 8/10

Heading: Definitions of Difficult Terms: TBA (Total Beverage Alcohol): This refers to all alcoholic beverages, including spirits, wine, beer, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. 9-litre case: This is a standard unit of measurement used by IWSR. One 9-litre case is equivalent to 12 standard 750 ml bottles. Premiumization: This trend describes consumers trading up to more expensive, higher-quality products within a given category, indicating a rise in disposable income and evolving consumer preferences. Indian whisky: Whiskies produced and primarily consumed within India. Gin and Genever: Genever is a traditional Dutch spirit, often considered a precursor to modern gin. Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages: Pre-packaged alcoholic drinks, often mixed cocktails, that are ready for immediate consumption. Agave-based spirits: Alcoholic beverages derived from the agave plant, such as Tequila and Mezcal. Scotch malts: Single malt Scotch whiskies made from malted barley at a single distillery in Scotland. Blended Scotch: Scotch whisky made by mixing single malt and/or single grain whiskies from different distilleries in Scotland.