India Leads Global Beverage Alcohol Growth for Third Consecutive Period

India has emerged as the top performer in total beverage alcohol (TBA) consumption growth globally for the third consecutive first half-year period, surpassing 20 monitored markets. Data from industry research firm IWSR reveals that India's TBA volume increased by 7% year-on-year during January-June, totaling over 440 million 9-litre cases (12 standard 750 ml bottles each). Indian whisky, the largest spirit segment, grew 7% to over 130 million cases. Vodka increased by 10%, rum by 2%, and gin/genever by 3%. Spirits in higher price bands are outperforming, reflecting premiumisation. Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages led growth at 11%, followed by beer (7%) and spirits (6%), with wine flat. Sarah Campbell of IWSR noted India's growing global importance due to consistent demand and premiumisation. IWSR forecasts India to become the fifth-largest alcohol market globally by volume by 2033, overtaking Japan and Germany.

Impact: This sustained high growth indicates strong consumer demand and increasing disposable incomes, particularly for premium products. It signals significant opportunities for beverage alcohol companies, potentially leading to increased production, investment, and expansion within India, with implications for related sectors like agriculture and packaging. Rating: 8/10

Heading: Difficult Terms TBA (Total Beverage Alcohol): Total volume of all alcoholic beverages (spirits, wine, beer, RTDs). 9-litre case: Standard measurement unit, 12 x 750 ml bottles. Spirits: Distilled alcoholic beverages (whisky, vodka, rum, gin). Premiumisation: Consumers choosing higher-priced, higher-quality products. Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages: Pre-mixed alcoholic drinks. Scotch malts: Whiskies made in Scotland from malted barley. Indian single malts: Single malt whiskies produced in India. Blended Scotch: Mixture of single malt and single grain Scotch whiskies. Brandy: Spirit distilled from wine or fermented fruit. Flavoured variants: Alcoholic products with added flavors.