The sales of imported spirits is likely to cross the five million cases mark and reach about 550 lakh litres by 2015, said industry body Assocham. This figure includes the duty-free travel trade in India.

“Growth of imported spirits in India is largely driven by the growing trend of young Indian professionals and entrepreneurs to migrate to international brands,” said Mr D.S. Rawat, Secretary-General, Assocham, while releasing the findings of the study.

Growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 25 per cent, the imported spirits market in India is currently estimated at about 280 lakh litres and about 3.1 million cases, according to the study. The study also predicted accelerated levels of growth in sales of liquor in tier-II and tier-III cities.

Further, the study said the alcoholic beverage market in India is estimated to increase four-fold, from the current Rs 52,000 crore to Rs two lakh crore, in the next three years.

The overall liquor consumption in India is growing at a CAGR of 30 per cent and is likely to touch two lakh crore litres in the next three years from the current level of 70,000 lakh litres, the study said.

Wine consumption in India is likely to reach around 147 lakh litres (in volume terms) by the end of 2012, from 46 lakh litres in 2008, registering a growth of 35 per cent during the last four years.

The Indian wine market (in value terms), which stood at Rs 800 crore in 2008, is likely to touch the Rs 2,700-crore mark by the end of this year.

The vodka market in India is growing at about 25 per cent annually and is likely to reach about 102 lakh cases by the end of 2012 as the drink is emerging as a starting drink of choice for the youth in metros and Tier-II centres.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW