Page 3 - Alcohol

India-UK FTA to cut spirit duties, but price drop may be limited: Experts

The India-UK free trade agreement will reduce duties on imported spirits, making premium international options more accessible to Indian consumers, according to industry players, but experts cautioned that the benefits may be limited as the maximum price reduction could be only up to Rs 300 per bottle. As per the FTA signed in London between the two governments, India is reducing duty on UK whisky and gin from 150 per cent to 75 per cent and further to 40 per cent in the tenth year of the deal. "Whisky producers will benefit from tariffs slashed in half, reduced immediately from 150 per cent to 75 per cent and then dropped even further to 40 per cent over the next ten years - giving the UK an advantage over international competitors in reaching the Indian market," as per an official statement of the UK government. Reacting to the development, the International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), which represents premium alcoholic beverage companies in India (mostly MNCs)

United Breweries Q1 results: Profit rises 5.9% to ₹184 cr on lower expenses

United Breweries Ltd reported a 5.9% rise in Q1FY26 profit to ₹184 crore, despite a 7.4% drop in revenue. Premium beer segment grew 46%, led by Kingfisher Ultra and Heineken Silver

Andhra Pradesh cuts liquor prices, tipplers save ₹116 crore every month

Liquor consumers in Andhra Pradesh are collectively saving nearly Rs 116 crore per month, following a reduction in alcohol prices from Rs 10 to Rs 100 per bottle, the first such cut in the state. During a review meeting with officials, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu instructed them to ensure transparency in the liquor policy, maintain affordable prices, and protect public health. He also stressed the need to prevent the sale of fake or substandard liquor brands, according to an official release on Monday. Naidu directed officials to allow only national and international quality brands into the state, and to prohibit the sale of non-duty paid, illicit, or harmful liquor. Officials informed the CM that the new liquor policy has boosted state revenue, brought back trade lost during the previous YSRCP regime, eliminated fake brands, and contributed to improved public health by helping prevent addiction among economically weaker families. Liquor prices have decreased for the first .

Uttar Pradesh govt logs fresh excise proposals worth ₹4,000 crore

The investment proposals were received at the recent 'UP Excise Investors' Summit' in Lucknow, which was organised to promote investments in the alcohol value chain

WHO's '3 by 35' plan aims 50% tax hike on tobacco, alcohol, sugary drinks

The WHO says its global tax plan could raise $1 trillion and save 50 million lives by 2035 by curbing harmful product consumption and funding health systems

Gen Z defies 'sober generation' label, alcohol consumption picking up

The IWSR survey found that the proportion of Gen Z adults who reported consuming alcohol in the past six months rose from 66 per cent in March 2023 to 73 per cent in March 2025

Glenwalk maker Cartel & Bros to expand into six Indian cities by 2025

Actor Sanjay Dutt-backed Cartel & Bros aims to sell 350,000 cases by FY26, with Glenwalk set to enter six Indian cities and five new global markets by year-end

Diageo India to acquire majority stake in NAO Spirits for ₹130 cr

United Spirits will acquire a controlling stake in NAO Spirits, including popular gin brands Greater Than and Hapusa, marking a strategic expansion into Indian craft spirits

For Herman Jansen, India still a strategically-important emerging market

The company will focus on growing its European and South East Asian market, says Diederik Jansen

US set to drop daily alcohol limit from dietary guidelines: Report

The updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which could be released as early as this month, are expected to include a brief statement encouraging Americans to drink in moderation

Vivek Oberoi-backed Rutland Square targets 100,000 cases annually in India

The Edinburgh-based company is preparing to expand across ten Indian states, including key markets like Bengaluru, Delhi, Goa, and Maharashtra

Alcohol firms seek clarity as Maharashtra hikes excise duty on spirits

Maharashtra's new excise policy raises spirits prices and introduces grain-based liquor; industry groups await clarity while brewers welcome beer tax exemption

Alcohol consumption, vaping affect fertility in men and women: Experts

With the rising fertility problems among women, doctors say that tobacco, alcohol consumption and vaping are silently harming the reproductive health and raising chances of miscarriages. While smoking increases the risk of a miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, it also causes DNA damage in sperm, which can lead to miscarriage and birth defects, they say. Fertility problems are rampant in women and also in men. They are not only affected due to age, stress or reproductive health problems, but also due to smoking, drinking and vaping, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, consultant-obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Anuja Thomas told PTI. "These vices are often seen as personal choices, but they impact fertility as well. Many people believe that reducing or pausing these habits only when planning a pregnancy is enough," she said. However, it is necessary to completely avoid these vices as these substances can cause damage to the reproductive organs, hormones, and even the health of future .

Tilaknagar tops $600 mn race for Imperial Blue, to expand whisky portfolio

Tilaknagar Industries leads the race to acquire Pernod Ricard's Imperial Blue whisky brand for an estimated $600 million; deal could mark the largest deal in India's liquor industry in over a decade

United Breweries to shut Mangalore brewery, plans Nanjangud expansion

The move is part of a consolidation effort in its brewery operations, and the company plans to expand its Mysuru brewery

Drinking alcohol, even in moderation, raises pancreatic cancer risk: WHO

New WHO study finds that drinking alcohol, even in small daily amounts, increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the hardest cancers to detect and treat

India-UK FTA to make Scotch whiskies competitively priced: Pernod Ricard

The India-UK FTA will reduce Scotch import duties from 150% to 40% over 10 years, making premium spirits more affordable for Indian consumers

In FY24, Indians tightened belts but ramped up happy hours to fresh high

In fact, consumption of alcoholic beverages grew at the fastest pace since 2011-12 when the current GDP data series was launched

Diageo (USL) Q4 PAT jumps 74.6% to Rs 421 crore, revenue up 2.82%

USL reports 43% jump in Q4 PAT to Rs 421 crore, driven by strong P&A growth; NSV rises 8.9% despite fewer IPL matches, final dividend of Rs 8 per share proposed

No duty cuts on UK wines in India FTA; limited relief for British beer

India is not giving any duty concessions on British wines and is providing only limited import duty benefits on UK beer under the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, announced on May 6, an official said. The other sensitive agri products where India will not offer any reduction in the import duty include dairy products, apple, cheese, oats, animals and vegetable oils under the agreement with the United Kingdom. "Wine is on the exclusion list, along with several other agricultural products in the trade pact. We are also offering only a limited duty concession on British beer," the official said. India and the UK on May 6 announced the conclusion of the free trade agreement which will make British Scotch whiskey and cars cheaper in India, while reducing duties on Indian imports such as garments and leather products here. As per the agreement, India will reduce duty on UK whiskey and gin from 150 per cent to 75 per cent and further to 40 per cent in the tenth year of