Premium Spirits Sales Surge Ahead of Cheaper Liquor in India
Sales of premium spirits in India are growing significantly faster than cheaper liquor, with a report indicating a 10.2% annual growth rate for premium products. The shift is attributed to rising incomes and changing consumer preferences.
What Happened?
Sales of premium spirits in India are growing significantly faster than cheaper liquor, with a report indicating a 10.2% annual growth rate for premium products. The shift is attributed to rising incomes and changing consumer preferences.
AI Quick Summary
Premium spirits in India are growing rapidly, with a 10.2% annual growth rate, reflecting changing consumer preferences.
Key points
- Premium spirits sales grew at a compound annual rate of 10.2% from 2022 to 2025.
- Cheaper liquor categories grew at only 1.1% for the lowest-priced and 1.4% for regular spirits.
- Super-premium Indian-made spirits saw an annual growth of about 34%.
- Indian malt whiskies expanded at approximately 39% annually, surpassing Scotch malts in 2024.
- Imported spirits grew about 8% annually, increasing their market share from 2.4% to 2.7%.
- The overall spirits market in India is estimated at Rs 6.2 lakh crore ($71 billion).
Key insights
- The shift towards premium spirits may indicate a growing middle class with higher disposable incomes.
- Retail strategies that enhance product visibility are likely contributing to the premium segment's growth.
- The increasing popularity of Indian malt whiskies could reshape the competitive landscape against imported brands.
Why it matters
The growth in premium spirits reflects changing consumer preferences and economic conditions in India.
Source
Times of India


