Latest dispatches

Heineken Nominates Rafael Oliveira as New CEO

Amsterdam, June 23, 2026: Heineken N.V. has announced the nomination of Rafael Oliveira as its next Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Executive Board, with effect from October 1, 2026, subject to shareholder approval. The appointment will be put forward at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for August 5, 2026. Oliveira joins the Dutch brewing giant from JDE Peet’s, where he has served as CEO since 2024. Prior to that, he spent more than a decade at Kraft Heinz, most recently as President of International Markets, overseeing operations across Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. The leadership change comes as Heineken continues to pursue its EverGreen 2030 strategy amid evolving consumer preferences and competitive pressures in the global beverage sector. According to the company, Oliveira was selected following a global search process conducted by the Supervisory Board. Peter Wennink, Chair of Heineken’s Supervisory Board, said Oliveira’s int

Bihar's Flawed Prohibition, NFHS-6 Shows Rise in Alcohol Consumption

The latest round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on May 29, 2025, has reignited the debate over Bihar's decade-long prohibition policy. The survey found that 16.5% of men aged 15 years and above in Bihar reported consuming alcohol, up from 15.4% recorded in the previous NFHS-5 survey conducted during 2019-21. While the increase of 1.1 percentage points may appear modest, it has become politically and socially significant because it comes nearly ten years after the state implemented one of India's most stringent alcohol bans. 10 Years of Prohibition Bihar became a dry state on April 1, 2016, when the government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar prohibited the sale and consumption of country liquor. Within days, the ban was expanded to include all forms of alcohol through amendments to the Bihar Excise Act. The move was introduced following sustained demands from women's groups who argued that widespread alcohol

Oasis Group Unveils AAGHAAZ Indian Artisan Single Malt, Sets Sights on ₹5,700 Crore Growth Milestone

The launch marks Oasis Group’s entry into the premium whisky category, supported by a nationwide manufacturing network, international expansion plans and a long-term vision for Indian spirits in global markets. Founded in 1987, Oasis Group operates eight distilleries and 14 bottling facilities, producing close to 360 million litres of ethanol annually. Its flagship All Seasons Whisky has crossed 21 million cumulative cases globally, helping establish the company among India’s leading spirits producers. With annual turnover estimated at ₹3,500 crore, Oasis is targeting ₹5,700 crore in revenue by March 2028 through diversification, wider market access and global expansion. At the centre of this next phase is AAGHAAZ Indian Artisan Single Malt Whisky, a release that places Oasis in one of India’s most closely watched whisky categories. Unveiled in New Delhi, the launch brought together industry stakeholders, trade partners, hospitality professionals, media representative

Inbrew Beverages Launches Romanov Jazzy Jamun Mint Vodka

Romanov Vodka recently launched Romanov Jazzy Jamun Mint Vodka in Maharashtra. Combining the rich, nostalgic taste of jamun with an invigorating mint finish, the new variant represents a significant addition to the brand's flavoured vodka portfolio. The launch reflects Romanov's continued focus on identifying emerging consumer preferences and translating them into relevant, contemporary offerings. Romanov remains committed to staying ahead of the curve through a robust innovation pipeline that blends cultural relevance with modern tastes as consumers increasingly seek unique flavours and differentiated drinking experiences. Speaking on the launch, Sumit Tiwari, General Manager - Marketing for Inbrew Beverages said “Romanov has led the Vodka category for decades in Maharashtra connecting strongly with consumers through innovation in flavours that are bold, youthful, and culturally resonant. With Jamun Mint, we are introducing a distinctive flavour combination that blends familiari

SOM Distilleries & Breweries, 39 and Counting

•    Ambitious target of contribution of IMFL from under 10% to nearly 20% •    Uttar Pradesh emerging as a strategic gateway for deeper penetration into Delhi NCR, North India and eastern markets As SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd. completes 39 years of operations, the company stands today not merely as one of India’s established beverage businesses, but as an enterprise that has consistently evolved with the market while steadily strengthening its position within it. Over the next two years, SOM aims to double its distribution footprint, strengthen its presence across high-growth North and West Indian markets, deepen reach across general trade and modern retail, and increase the contribution of IMFL from under 10% to nearly 20%. J.K. Arora, Managing Director, SOM Distilleries & Breweries From its beginnings as a single-location white-label bottling unit, SOM has transformed into a diversified beverage company with an expanding national footprint a

Asia-Pacific is Global Travel Retail's Growth Engine: TFWA President Sarah Branquinho

Asia-Pacific continues to cement its position as the world's most important travel retail market, accounting for approximately 40% of global travel retail sales and remaining the industry's strongest growth engine. According to Sarah Branquinho , President of the Tax-Free World Association (TFWA), the region's combination of rising middle-class incomes, expanding airport infrastructure and unparalleled levels of intra-regional travel places it at the centre of the industry's future. Sarah Branquinho, President of the Tax-Free World Association (TFWA) “Asia-Pacific remains the strongest travel retail region in the world," says Branquinho. "Growth may have stabilised compared with earlier periods, but the region continues to be extremely resilient. As incomes rise, more people can afford to travel and shop, creating a steady stream of new consumers entering the travel retail ecosystem." The region's strength is underpinned by several structural advantages. Asia-Pacific boasts the h

India’s Alcobev Industry is Booming despite Global Negative Growth

India’s alcoholic beverage sector is rapidly evolving into a massive consumer-driven industry, powered by premiumisation, rising disposable incomes, urban lifestyle changes, and strong brand loyalty. As consumer preferences shift towards quality over quantity, the industry is witnessing a strong premiumisation wave across whisky, craft spirits, wine, beer, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. The market is projected to grow from USD 208.3 billion in 2026 to USD 312.4 billion by 2036, reflecting steady long-term demand. According to industry estimates, India’s alcobev market is expected to cross ₹5.3 lakh crore in revenues, driven by a young population, increasing urbanisation, and changing social attitudes towards alcohol consumption. Consumers are increasingly “drinking less but choosing better,” trading up from economy brands to premium and super-premium offerings, particularly in whisky, craft gin, and Indian single malts. Industry leaders such as  United

Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky wins big at IWSC 2026

Continuing the trend of Indian Whiskies winning big at international awards – India’s Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky has emerged as one of the standout performers at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) UK 2026, with its Crazy Cock Madhuca III earning a Gold Medal and 95 points to become the highest-scoring Indian whisky at this year's competition. Crazy Cock Madhuca I and Madhuca II also managed to secure 93 points each - giving South Seas Distilleries the three highest-ranking Indian single malt positions at the awards. Apart from Madhuca, Crazy Cock Rare and Crazy Cock Dhua were also awarded Silver medals with 91 points each. What makes this special is that the malts have been crafted at South Seas Distilleries, which is India's oldest single malt distillery with the Madhuca expressions lauded as the first of its kind single malt whiskies - finished in Mahura casks. IWSC UK 2026 Results – Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Whisky • Crazy Cock Ma

June 2026

The Man Who Named RCB: Untold Story of How the Franchise Was Born

When beverage giant Diageo decided to divest its stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it signalled a shift in corporate priorities. The company stated that ownership of a cricket franchise was no longer central to its strategic objectives. Yet the decision also highlighted the remarkable journey of a sporting asset that began as a marketing experiment and evolved into one of the most valuable brands in world cricket. Vijay Rekhi, former President, United Spirits Ltd. (USL) In an exclusive untold story -  Bhavya Desai spoke to Vijay Rekhi, former President, United Spirits Ltd. (USL) and the man who named RCB recalls how an idea discussed over a telephone call with Vijay Mallya eventually became one of the defining success stories of Indian sport and brand building. The Call that Started it All According to Rekhi, the first indication of what would later become the Indian Premier League came through a conversation with Vijay Mallya. Information had reached Mallya (through Lalit Mod

Blue Riband Gin Gets a Modern Makeover

Blue Riband Gin unveils a bold new look, reimagining one of India's most iconic gin brands for a new generation of consumers. The refreshed packaging brings a contemporary and premium design language to the brand while preserving the trusted liquid and heritage that have defined Blue Riband Gin for decades. Sumit Tiwari, General manager - Marketing for Inbrew Beverages said, “With this refreshed identity, Blue Riband enters a new chapter that balances heritage with modernity. The new packaging has been thoughtfully designed to enhance the brand’s contemporary appeal while retaining the trust, familiarity, and taste profile that consumers have always loved. The revamp reflects Inbrew Beverages’ continued focus on premiumising and strengthening its portfolio through modernisation and consumer-led innovation, ensuring the brand resonates with both loyal consumers and a new generation seeking a premium gin experience.” Blue Riband Gin with its revamped pac

Lakshadweep Ends 47-Year Liquor Ban, Introduces Regulated Excise Regime

President Droupadi Murmu has approved the Lakshadweep Excise Regulation, 2026, formally ending the Union Territory's 47-year-old prohibition policy and paving the way for the controlled sale and consumption of alcohol. Droupadi Murmu, President of India Promulgated under Article 240 of the Constitution, the new law replaces the Lakshadweep Prohibition Regulation, 1979, and establishes a comprehensive excise framework governing the manufacture, import, transport, possession, sale and consumption of liquor across the islands. New Licensing Framework The regulation mandates the appointment of an Excise Commissioner as the chief excise authority, while the Deputy Commissioner will serve as the licensing authority for import and retail permits. Liquor licences may be granted to government-owned corporations, companies, agencies and autonomous bodies for import and retail vending. Private individuals and entities may also obtain licences for manufacturing, wholesale distribution and retail s

Kerala Reduces Alcohol Prices

The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) has reduced liquor prices in the state, with the new rates having come into effect from May 1, across several popular brands. The price cut ranges from ₹10 to ₹50 depending upon the brand and category.  Several well-known labels, including Old Monk, Officer’s Choice, and Le Mount Rum, are among the brands affected by the revision.    All retail outlets have been instructed to update billing systems accordingly. According to officials, 500 ml bottles will generally see a price reduction of around ₹10, while mid-range and premium brands may see cuts ranging from ₹20 to ₹50. More than 50 liquor brands are expected to be covered under the new pricing structure. BEVCO officials stated that the price change has been implemented based on directives from manufacturing companies rather than a government tax adjustment. The revision is also linked to market performance, with some brands included after a recent decline in sales.

Alcobrew Distilleries Marks World Environment Day with 2,000-Sapling Plantation Drive in Gurugram

Reinforcing its commitment towards environmental sustainability and community welfare, Alcobrew Distilleries India Limited marked World Environment Day by planting 2,000 saplings at Vayu Sena Vatika, Gurugram, in association with SayTrees NGO. The plantation drive was undertaken as part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at promoting ecological balance, increasing green cover, and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. Conducted in partnership with SayTrees, an NGO dedicated to afforestation and ecological restoration, the initiative brought together employees and representatives of Alcobrew Distilleries India Limited in a collective effort to create a greener and more sustainable future. Romesh Pandita, Chairman and Managing Director, Alcobrew Distilleries India Limited, said, “At Alcobrew, we believe that sustainable growth goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. On World

The Macallan Romantica Collection -Celebrating 100th Anniversary

The Macallan has launched the Romantica Collection, a rare single-cask release and 1986 vintage created to commemorate the centenary of The Macallan 1926, widely regarded as the most valuable bottle of wine or spirit ever sold at auction. The release reunites three internationally acclaimed artists— Sir Peter Blake , Valerio Adami and Michael Dillon —who previously created artwork for The Macallan 1926. Their new works form the artistic foundation of the Romantica Collection, offering a contemporary interpretation of a whisky legacy that has captivated collectors for decades. The story traces back to 1926, when brand custodian Janet 'Nettie' Harbinson laid down a cask that would later become The Macallan 1926. Bottled 60 years later by her great-nephew Allan Shiach , it yielded only 40 bottles. In the same year, 1986, a single sherry-seasoned European oak cask, numbered 9925, was filled and left to mature quietly on The Macallan Estate. Four decades later, that cask emerges

Medusa Beer Expands South, Targets 1,000+ Outlets in Karnataka

Medusa Beverages has entered Karnataka, marking its first step into the South Indian market. The launch begins in Bengaluru and will bring the brand’s portfolio, including Medusa Premium Beer, Medusa Air, and Medusa X House of the Dragon, to consumers in the state. The move is part of Medusa’s ongoing expansion across India and adds Karnataka to its growing list of markets. Known for its strong beer consumption and vibrant hospitality sector, the state offers an important opportunity for brands looking to build a long-term presence in the category. The company plans a phased rollout, starting with Bengaluru before expanding to Mysuru and other cities. As part of the launch strategy, Medusa is targeting availability across more than 1,000 outlets, including licensed liquor stores and hospitality venues. Speaking about the expansion, Avneet Singh, Founder and CEO of Medusa Beverages, said Karnataka is an important market for the company’s next phase of growth. He added

Australia’s Glandore Whisky Makes India Debut

India’s premium whisky market is steadily embracing newer global styles beyond Scotch, bourbon and homegrown single malts. Joining this expanding landscape is Glandore, the first Australian whisky brand to officially enter the Indian market. Imported by Basil Alliance Services Pvt Ltd, Glandore Australian Whisky has now reached premium retail outlets across South and Central Delhi, following its initial rollout in Uttar Pradesh. The company is also eyeing expansion into Haryana and other northern markets. Crafted using Victorian grain and matured in ex-bourbon American oak barrels, the whisky is later finished in Australian Chardonnay wine casks, giving it a smoother and fruit-forward character. The brand says the whisky has been designed to appeal to Indian consumers looking for approachable yet premium international spirits. The whisky offers notes of vanilla, honeycomb, caramel and ripe fruits, balanced with gentle oak undertones. Positioned in the affordable premium category,

Paul John Whisky Introduces AArambh, 180 Bottles from a Single Cask #20523

Paul John has unveiled AArambh Indian Single Malt, a single cask release created in collaboration with Pune-based whisky enthusiast community ‘The Cask Circle’. Limited to just 180 bottles, the expression was fully allocated before it was even bottled, making it possibly one of the most sought-after Indian whisky releases in recent memory. Single Cask #20523 Drawn from Single Cask #20523, the whisky was distilled in Goa in November 2017 and matured in two ex-bourbon casks before being bottled at 50% ABV. The release marks another addition to Paul John's growing single cask programme, which has steadily cultivated a niche but passionate collector following in India – and also highlights the new marketing trends by Indian manufacturers. "This one feels particularly significant," said Paul P. John, Chairman, Paul John Indian Single Malt Whisky. "We are no longer just making whisky for the world to discover. We are making whisky that India is proud to colle

Alcobrew Enters Premium Single Malt Space with Gamber Valley Launch

The whiskies are distilled, matured and bottled at the company's Solan facility in Himachal Pradesh, with initial availability planned across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh. Further expansion into key markets including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Odisha and Delhi NCR is expected through a phased rollout. The move comes at a time when Indian single malts continue to gain momentum both domestically and internationally. Industry estimates suggest the segment could grow at nearly 20% annually over the next five years, driven by premiumisation trends and increasing consumer confidence in Indian-made whiskies. In a milestone for the category, Indian single malts overtook imported Scotch in volume sales for the first time in 2024, accounting for more than half of all single malt volumes sold in the country. Romesh Pandita, Chairman and Managing Director of Alcobrew Distilleries India, puts it, "With Gamber Valley Indian Single Malt Whisky, we are not launching a product—we

Vinexpo Asia Reaffirms International Confidence in Asian Markets

Held from 26 to 28 May, the 2026 edition of Vinexpo Asia consolidated Hong Kong’s position as a major platform for wine and spirits trade in the Asia-Pacific region. Bringing together 14,273 trade professionals from 76 markets, compared with 59 in 2024, and 38 producing countries, compared with 35 in 2024, the event reflected the sustained commitment of international producers to Asian markets against a challenging geoeconomic backdrop.  With a history in Hong Kong dating back to 1998, Vinexpo Asia once again received support from key local stakeholders, including the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and was officially opened by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government. The Hong Kong launch of Be Spirits and Be No also reflected evolving consumption patterns in Asia, with Be Spirits tripling its exhibitor base and no-alcohol products accounting for one in ten exhibitor references.  “With Vinexpo Asia, Vinexposium strengthe

Tilaknagar Industries Posts Strong FY26 Growth

Tilaknagar Industries recently reported a strong financial performance for FY26, driven by the integration of the Imperial Blue business, robust growth in its flagship Mansion House brandy franchise, and an aggressive push into premium and luxury spirits segments. The company posted net revenue of ₹2,346 crore for FY26, marking a 69.9% year-on-year increase, while EBITDA rose 55.9% to ₹352 crore. Profit after tax, adjusted for exceptional items and acquisition-related amortisation, increased 15.7% to ₹232 crore. Quarterly performance was equally strong, with Q4 FY26 revenue surging 147.5% year-on-year to ₹949 crore and EBITDA climbing to ₹146 crore. The company’s total sales volumes touched nearly 20 million cases in FY26, including four months of the Imperial Blue business under its ownership. Combined business volumes grew 67.6% during the year. Mansion House emerges as growth engine A major highlight for the company was its flagship Mansion House Brandy crossing the 10 million

The Art of the Limited Edition

A conversation with Anand Virmani and Aparajita Ninan of Nao Spirits When Nao Spirits launched Greater Than, India’s first craft gin, the category looked very different. It leaned heavily on paisleys, peacocks, and festive colour palettes. The familiar cues of ‘Indianness’ were loud and decorative. It was easy to recognise and also easy to sell. Nao Spirits flipped that approach. In a media roundtable, Anand Virmani and Aparajita Nina, founders of Nao Spirits, talked about they wanted the brand to reflect a modern India and not a nostalgic one. They wanted something that felt current and the design language followed that thinking. They came up with a bottle that could sit anywhere, in a bar, on a kitchen shelf or be anywhere in a house party. Focus on labels In an industry where labels are often an afterthought, Nao Spirits invested deeply in paper quality, print technique, the finish and the detail. The minimal aesthetic made this even more critical. There was n

Allied Blenders & Distillers Maintains Sustained Double-Digit Growth: Alok Gupta

        Sees huge potential in Aftica market Luxury Portfolio Driving Expansion Participating in MML segment Allied Blenders and Distillers remains confident of sustaining strong growth momentum across domestic and international markets, supported by premiumisation, expanding exports, capacity investments and a growing luxury portfolio, Managing Director Alok Gupta said in an interview. Gupta said the company continues to maintain its guidance of double-digit volume growth and mid double-digit value growth, driven largely by its prestige-and-above (P&A) portfolio. “Our focus remains on both value growth and volume growth. The momentum is absolutely sustainable,” Gupta said. He highlighted the performance of the company’s flagship whisky brand ICONiQ, which has crossed the 10 million cases milestone and is currently running at an annualised rate of around 12 million cases. The brand has also received approval from the Canteen Stores Department (CSD)

Brown-Forman Unveils the Glendronach in India

Brown-Forman has introduced The Glendronach ’s core range of Highland single malts to India, bringing the Aged 12 Years, 15 Years, and 18 Years expressions to the market. Founded in 1826 in Scotland’s “Valley of Brambles,” The Glendronach has long been recognised for its commitment to sherry cask maturation, creating whiskies defined by depth, structure, and richly layered character. Crafted in the rugged north-east Highlands of Scotland , the whiskies are matured predominantly in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks sourced from Andalucía, Spain. While Pedro Ximénez casks contribute raisin richness and opulence, Oloroso casks bring dryness, walnut character, and spice, shaping The Glendronach’s signature sherried style. The distillery’s distinctive saxophone-shaped stills produce a heavier spirit designed for extended maturation, allowing flavour and complexity to evolve gradually within traditional Scottish warehouse conditions. The