India has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing beverage alcohol market for the third consecutive half-year period, according to The Times of India, citing data from the IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. Between January and June 2025, total beverage alcohol volumes in India rose by 7% year-on-year, surpassing 440 million nine-litre cases — underscoring the country’s expanding appetite for premium and diverse alcoholic beverages.
The report highlights that Indian whisky continues to be the main growth driver, growing 7% to cross 130 million cases, followed by vodka at 10%, rum at 2%, and gin and genever at 3%. Analysts attribute the sustained growth to rising disposable incomes, improving product quality, and an expanding urban consumer base that is embracing a wider variety of spirits.
Commenting on the trend, Sarah Campbell, Head of Research for Asia-Pacific at IWSR, stated, “Indian whisky remains the dominant growth engine for the spirits category in India, driven by improving quality, an expanding consumer base, and favourable economic conditions.”
Industry observers note that India’s robust growth trajectory in the alcoholic beverage segment reflects both strong domestic demand and increased global recognition of Indian-made spirits, especially whisky, which continues to gain prominence in export markets.
