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Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Demand for premium liquor records 32% growth in state
1 2 Lucknow: Demand for premium liquor in Uttar Pradesh is showing a consistent upward trend. According to a recent report by ISWAI (International Spirits and Wines Association of India), demand for the imported category witnessed a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32% between 2019 and 2024. In contrast, the economy and medium segments recorded growth of 4 and 7% in the same period. The country liquor, however, continues to dominate the sector, with 65% of the market share. The report indicates that India is the fourth-largest market for alcoholic beverages in the world, trailing behind China, US and Japan. While the market value of the alcoholic beverages industry in the country is pegged at around Rs 4.97 lakh crore, that of Uttar Pradesh is estimated to be Rs 56,000 crore (in FY 2023-24). The state generated Rs 45,570 crore as excise duty in the 2023-24 financial year. The report, which was released on July 9 during the excise investors summit in Lucknow, shows a gradual premiumisation in consumer preference and growing economic prosperity across the key cities of the state. "Alcoholic beverage industry, through its linkages with agriculture, manufacturing, retail, tourism and hospitality, is emerging as a vital enabler for UP's economic growth," said excise commissioner Adarsh Singh. ISWAI regional director Parvinder Singh said: "Consumers in UP are shifting their preferences towards high-quality and premium categories of liquor. Considerable potential exists for further premiumisation in the sector, and the state can generate increased revenue by leveraging premium and higher-taxed segments." According to the report, the demand for spirits (whisky, vodka, rum, brandy and gin) increased from 23,177 crates in FY 2022-23 to 24,030 in FY 2023-24 (one crate contains 12 bottles, each having 750 ml of alcohol). The highest growth was witnessed for imported products in the corresponding period. Country liquor accounts for 65% of the demand, followed by beer (19%) while IMFL accounts for the remaining 16%. In terms of revenue, sales of country liquor brands account for 52%, IMFL 34% while beer accounts for 14%.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Red carpet, not red tape, awaits investors in UP, says minister at excise summit
Minister of state (Independent) for Excise and Prohibition Nitin Agarwal said a 'red carpet' and not 'red tape' invited investors in Uttar Pradesh. The minister added that the BJP government in the state had changed its image from a crime state to the most preferred investment destination. Minister Nitin Agarwal and other guests at the Summit held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow on Wednesday Speaking at the first-of-its-kind Excise Investors Summit organised at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow on Wednesday, the minister said, 'Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji, the state has seen remarkable changes. The state has now become a top destination for investors and is a place where exports have doubled. It is a leader in infrastructure and ranks second in ease of doing business.' 'The state has become India's second-largest economy and top producer of ethanol,' Agarwal claimed. Addressing investors at the Summit, the minister said, 'Eight years ago, no one would have thought about organising such an event in UP… Our government has transformed the work culture, and now we have rolled out a red carpet for investors instead of red tape. Exports have doubled in the last eight years. We introduced the Nivesh Mitra portal and implemented a single window system.' At the event, International Spirits & Wines Association of India (ISWAI) launched a comprehensive report on the state's alcohol industry. Titled 'Building Pathways for Future Investments and Growth: Alcoholic Beverage Industry in Uttar Pradesh', the report states that the alcoholic beverages industry contributed around ₹56,000 crore (FY 2023-24) in market revenue, which is equivalent to 2.4% of the state's GDP. The industry supports over 5.3 lakh livelihoods, with critical linkages to agriculture, manufacturing, packaging, hospitality, logistics, and retail. The report calls for policy initiatives such as tax rationalisation for premium products, retail accessibility expansion, support for exports, and greater digitisation of regulatory systems to enhance ease of doing business. Commending ISWAI's efforts in compiling the report, UP excise commissioner Dr. Adarsh Singh said, 'The insights offered will be valuable for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors alike. Going forward, it is through such constructive partnerships that we can co-create a modern, transparent, and growth-oriented excise ecosystem.' Parvinder Singh, the regional director of ISWAI, said, 'Uttar Pradesh is transforming into an economic powerhouse, and the alcoholic beverages sector is a key growth partner in this journey. With supportive policies and forward-looking governance, the state can become a hub for premium beverage manufacturing and tourism.' Proposals worth ₹3,600 crore received Investment proposals worth ₹3,600 crore were received in this conference, officials said. The excise minister said that in the past 142 investment proposals were received through Invest UP for setting up alcohol-based industries in the state. Out of them, 135 MoUs were signed. An investment of ₹39,479.39 crore was received and 73,524 employment opportunities were created. Also, an investment of ₹7,888.73 crore is being made in 46 GBC-ready projects.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UP excise summit brings in Rs 4,320cr investments
Lucknow: The state will get investments worth Rs 4,320 crore through new alcoholic beverages players in UP, announced senior officials on Wednesday after the conclusion of a day-long excise investors summit in the city. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Organised for the first time, the sector-oriented investors summit witnessed participation from investors, industrial groups and startups. For the first time, a Maharashtra-based company will open a winery in Uttar Pradesh to avail the benefits of the UP wine policy. Officials said the policy framework will be revisited to promote the export of alcohol from UP to other states and countries. Excise minister Nitin Agarwal informed the gathering about the key achievements of the department and the Yogi govt over the past eight years. Securing proposals from both new entrants and existing players interested in expanding their operations, Agarwal urged them to help the state achieve the USD 1 trillion goal. According to a report compiled by the International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), the alcoholic beverages industry in Uttar Pradesh, which apart from liquor production and manufacturing also includes agriculture, packaging, hospitality, logistics, and retail segments, is providing livelihood to 5.30 lakh individuals in the state. While noting down the feedback of the stakeholders, excise commissioner Adarsh Singh said: "We will try to include some of the key points and ideas mentioned by the industry players in next year's policy." Managing director of Superior Industries Limited Manish Agarwal said: "We committed to investing Rs 74 crore in the state and signed an agreement with the govt. We will expand our existing unit further to increase production. The single-window system created by the state govt to provide clearances is extremely effective, and we submitted all the documents over the portal without visiting any govt officer."
Mint
09-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
‘In 2024, India alcobev mkt crossed 408 mn cases, and should grow 5% this yr as reforms, premiumisation up consumption'
NEW DELHI : India's alcoholic beverage (alcobev) industry crossed 408 million cases in 2024, with premium spirits driving growth in an increasingly reform-friendly regulatory environment. New data accessed exclusively byMint shows that structural changes—particularly at the state level—are poised to push this figure even higher in 2025, with a projected growth of over 5%. The International Spirits & Wines Association of India (ISWAI), which represents global players like Bacardi, Diageo-United Spirits, and Campari, said India remains one of the largest liquor markets globally, with the sector growing at a steady 3% CAGR. "Calendar year 2025 should top last year's perform and a slightly higher growth rate at around 5% or more on the back of structural reforms in large markets such as Uttar Pradesh (which has increased its retail store density), Andhra Pradesh (which has encouraged privatisation of retail) and stability in policies such Rajasthan (four year excise policy) and Haryana (with one that's increased from 12 to 21 months)," said Sanjit Padhi, the body's CEO, speaking toMint. 'In addition, smaller markets like Jharkhand are moving towards privatisation, which should also help." Also Read: Rishabh Pant somersaults his way back into brands' hearts In the first six months of the year, markets like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan are showing strong growth as well, the body's top executive said. This is because there are new restructured excise regimes to attract investments in some of these states. The first half of 2025 has already shown strong growth in states with restructured excise policies. For example, UP's merging of its beer and liquor retail networks has increased access, while Rajasthan's switch to a four-year policy has led to a 55% rise in Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) volumes. In Andhra Pradesh, modernised liquor outlets are expanding into tier II and III towns. 'The outlook for 2025 is quite positive," Padhi said, adding that better retail infrastructure is enhancing consumer experience. Fast-paced growth According to industry estimates, India's alcobev market has been growing at about 3-4% year on year for the last decade in terms of volumes, and it was valued at $59.85 billion in 2023. While he did not share absolute numbers in terms of its current value, what is also driving growth is that each year, Padhi said, is the 15-20 million people entering the country's legal drinking age, giving the country one of the fastest-growing consumer bases globally. "The country's median age is under 30, and younger consumers are seeking more variety, brand trust and better experiences—even if they are drinking a little less frequently. India's population is now the largest in the world, and while price sensitivity remains in many parts of the country, there is clear movement—especially in urban areas—toward better-quality beverages, driven by a younger, more aspirational consumer," he added. 'Premiumisation at every level' The growing popularity of Indian single malts and high-quality blended whiskies is also pushing up demand for premium products. At present, imported spirits still make up a small share—just 2.6% of total volumes—but they are gaining ground. Bulk Scotch imports now account for 79% of all Scotch brought into India, with most being bottled locally. This has helped reduce costs and improve margins. 'Rising private investments, a growing middle class, and increasing workforce participation are all contributing to greater consumer spending power," Padhi said. Paul P. John, chairman of John Distilleries, toldMintthat while the Indian consumer has been price-sensitive, there's a visible evolution in how quality is perceived today, and the mindset shift to spend on better quality spirits is increasing. "Earlier, quality was almost exclusively associated with high-priced or imported brands, but that mindset is also shifting. Consumers are now recognising that world-class quality can also come from homegrown brands, and they're willing to pay a premium when they see genuine value," he said. Also Read: Ventive Hospitality to open six hotels with Marriott in India by 2030 He said this shift has been pivotal to the growing success of John Distilleries' premium offerings, especially in the single malts segment, which are crafted in India but consumed globally. According to ISWAI's data, India sold 11 million cases out of 408 million sold in 2024 in the deluxe and super premium deluxe categories. According to the top industry players, companies are also moving up the value chain. Amar Sinha, chief operating officer at Radico Khaitan, speaking toMint, said many large national alcohol companies are moving away from low-MRP (maximum retail price) mass brands due to shrinking margins. Demand for quality 'This is primarily because input costs have gone up, and there are fewer margins at the lower end of the segment. Manufacturers are moving towards the upper end of the consumer bracket. The consumer is also getting exposed to better quality products now, vis-à-vis some years ago. Consumers are moving a few steps up. The growth in the deluxe and premium segments is here to stay, and lower-MRP products will start to fade," Sinha toldMint. "If this segment, while small right now, will grow at 15-20% CAGR, then we expect it to double in five years," he added. In 2024, super-premium Indian-Made Foreign Liquor grew 23% in 2024, while premium IMFL grew 18%, and growth in the larger, older deluxe segment slowed to 6%. 'Premiumisation may seem small when viewed in isolation, but its impact goes beyond just the volumes. Also Read: India's luxury knockoff boom just got a legal reality check For states looking to de-emphasise their focus on alcohol, upward category movement will still drive higher revenues than regular categories, even if overall consumption stays flat. This is because consumers are moving up the value chain and drinking better in each category," said Padhi. Also, this is due to discretionary income growing, too. Despite rising interest in global brands, locally produced spirits continue to dominate, accounting for over 97% of total sales in 2024. However, imported spirits—both bottled at origin and those bottled in India—grew 8.3% year-on-year, compared to 3.2% for domestic brands, pointing to rising interest among affluent urban consumers.
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Reality star gives birth to first baby and tells fans she's ‘in the newborn trenches'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MADE In Chelsea star Caggie Dunlop has given birth to her first baby telling fans she is in "the newborn trenches". Caggie and her boyfriend, whose name she is yet to share, learned she was expecting in September. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Caggie Dunlop has given birth to her first baby Credit: Instagram 4 Caggie and her boyfriend, whose name she is yet to share, learned she was expecting in September Credit: Instagram 4 The former reality TV star posted photos from her pregnancy earlier this year Credit: Instagram The 35-year-old former reality star announced the arrival of their bundle of joy in a post on Instagram. Caggie also revealed her baby's sex, after waiting to give birth to find out. In an honest post, the star said the first few days of taking care of their newborn has been a "brutal awakening," and she promised to share more photos of the baby when she felt up to it. Caggie penned: "These were the last pictures taken of me pregnant. "I gave birth to our baby girl on Wednesday morning, our hearts are exploding with love. And I'm completely overwhelmed by the tiredness. "The initiation into motherhood has been unlike anything I could have imagined. "I'm just trying to keep my head above water. I'll share more in the coming days, but for now, we're deep in the 'newborn trenches,' as they say. "Everyone told me to take photos while pregnant because I'd regret it if I didn't. "At the time, I really didn't feel like being in front of a camera… but I'm so glad we captured these, the day before she arrived." She continued: "I already miss her being in my belly—the safety, the unity. It's been replaced with a constant undercurrent of worry and anxiety. Made In Chelsea star gives birth to baby boy as she reveals son's adorable name "I remember someone once described this part as 'your heart now living outside your chest'—and I'm learning what that really means. "Every cry pierces deeply. Every feed touches a part of you you didn't know existed. "It's a brutal awakening, a maddening kind of magic. "I can't believe I'm a mum." Caggie's followers empathised, with one writing: "Congratulations give yourself alot of grace during these next few weeks and months, & continue taking pictures. Newborn stage flies by." Caggie was an original Made In Chelsea cast member whose time on the show was entwined with her relationship with Spencer Matthews. She quit after three series to concentrate on her music career. Using her full name Catherine Dunlop, the West Londoner released a single, Neverland, and has launched a clothing range, ISWAI (It Started With An Idea). She has now rebranded as Caggie, and her latest music release was the 2024 track, Breakfast. It came five years after her previous single, I Wish I Knew. In total she's achieved nearly 4million streams and describes her sound as 'soft, nostalgic, ethereal and feminine'. The multi-talented star also has a keen interest in astrology and in 2023 released her first book, Saturn Returns: Your Cosmic Coming of Age. She told Hello! of her career change: "A lot has changed in the last 10 years, when I was in my early twenties. I think I was just trying to be someone that I wasn't, someone that didn't really feel authentic. "I think for a long time I was sort of looking backwards and feeling that because I've done a reality show that would forever pigeonhole me. "I was not going to be able to be taken seriously in other industries, but now I'm like, that's just my own stuff, you know, that's just my own limitation… I think for a lot of my 20s I was in quite a victimhood mentality."
