Liquor industry in high spirits as holiday season is around the corner, premium brands to boost sales
Diageo India. The Manipur government's decision to legalise liquor in the state is also expected to drive up sales. The state government withdrew the prohibition from district headquarters, greater Imphal areas, tourist locations and registered hotel establishments, according to media reports.
“The idea of prohibition seems to have lost steam, and most governments have begun to look at the industry as a vital source of tax revenues and a partner in the economic wellbeing of the state," said Vinod Giri, Director-General, Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC). “We have a positive outlook for the Indian alcohol market during this season. As the demand for premium alcohol is on a substantial rise, we can expect Rum and Whiskey to do well during this season," said Tushar Bhandari, Whole Time Director, Associated Alcohols Breweries Ltd (AABL).
Giri echoed Bhandari's views. “The quarter of October to December is the peak season for the industry. The uptake in the early days before Diwali was quite good in most markets even though the steep rise in prices in Karnataka due to an increase in taxes did have some sobering impact on growth," he observed.
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