In a remarkable turn of events in 2023, Indian single malts have outperformed their international counterparts in sales within India, marking a significant shift in the country’s whisky market. According to early estimates by the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), Indian single malts accounted for nearly 53% of the total single malt sales in the country. This growth was underpinned by a 23% increase in sales of domestic brands, contrasting with the 11% growth of imported brands.
The total sales of single malts in India in 2023 reached approximately 6,75,000 cases, each containing nine liters. Of this, Indian-origin makers contributed about 3,45,000 cases, surpassing the 3,30,000 cases sold by Scottish and other international brands. This achievement is particularly notable given the history and prestige of Scottish single malts in the global market.
Leading the charge in this new era of Indian whisky are brands like Amrut, Paul John, Radico Khaitan‘s Rampur, and Indri. These brands have gained recognition for their quality and refinement, challenging the long-held dominance of renowned global brands such as Glenlivet, Lagavulin, Macallan, Lagavulin, and Talisker.
The rise of Indian single malts can be attributed to several factors. The quality of these whiskies has been a crucial factor, with some Indian brands experimenting and innovating beyond traditional processes. For instance, Indri was recognised as the world’s best whisky in August 2023, a testament to the high standards of Indian distilleries. Additionally, there’s a growing preference among the younger Indian audience for niche and homegrown products, which has been instrumental in driving the popularity of Indian single malts.
This trend isn’t just limited to India. The global spirits market is taking note of the rising prominence of Indian single malts. Major international players like Diageo and Pernod Ricard have responded by introducing their locally-produced single malts, Godawan and Longitude 77, to tap into the growing Indian market.
The success of Indian single malts in 2023 is a significant milestone in the country’s evolving spirits industry and reflects a broader trend of appreciation for local brands and products in the global market.
