Liquor cos may approach FSSAI for separate standard for Indian single malt whisky

Indian producers are discussing the move, according to domestic industry body Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies

NEW DELHI: Homegrown Indian liquor makers are mulling approaching food & beverages regulator FSSAI for a separate standard for the Indian single malt whisky that is rapidly scaling with the ongoing trend of premiumisation and has won several prestigious international awards.

This will help maintain the sanctity and reputation of Indian single malt whisky—now exported to 60 countries—and Indian producers are discussing the move, according to Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the industry body of domestic AlcoBev manufacturers.

The Indian distillers are also taking steps to get a geographical indication tag for their single malt whisky that will enhance the brand's credibility and standards. While the sale of Indian single malt whisky is rising in high double digits in the country—the world's largest whisky market—the industry is also facing a challenge to keep a check on the emergence of smaller single malt whisky brands.