Mumbai: Sales volumes of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) rose 24% to 120 million cases during April-July, with demand increasing for all key segments - whiskey, brandy, rum and vodka - industry executives said, citing latest excise department data.
The market had risen 13% to 353 million cases in FY22, a sharp recovery after a slump in FY21. IMFL brands such as Royal Stag, McDowell's and Blenders Pride account for over 70% of the spirits market.
"Sales have outpaced pre-Covid levels driven by premiumisation, continued momentum in at-home consumption occasions and on-trade sales pickup especially since the last two quarters," said Amit Dahanukar, managing director at Tilaknagar Industries, which sells Mansion House, India's largest selling premium brandy.
Whiskey, which accounts for two-thirds of the overall market, grew 17% despite a high base while brandy, the second biggest category, expanded 37%. Rum and vodka grew 41% and 55%, respectively, and gin sales surged 129%, although on a low base, according to the excise data.
While in-home consumption of liquor increased during the pandemic, last quarter also saw alcobev sales at bars and restaurants reaching pre-Covid levels for the first time in two years. For liquor firms, the festive season historically generates high sales, helped by frequent social gatherings and events.
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