Alcobev players ramp up single-malt portfolio

Indian single malts dominated the market in 2023, accounting for 53% of total sales

- ANEEKA CHATTERJEE

As Indian single malts gain global recognition, distillers are ramping up their portfolio to meet the increasing demand from consumers.

Leading industry players like DeVans, AABL, Diageo, and Radico Khaitan are innovating and diversifying their single-malt offerings, indicating a promising future for the palatable scotch in India.

According to a Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), Indian single malts commanded the market in 2023, comprising 53 per cent of total sales.

Out of 675,000 nine-litre cases of single malts sold in India last year, domestic whisky producers accounted for around 345,000 cases, with Scottish and other foreign brands selling the remaining 330,000 cases. Jammu-based DeVans Modern Breweries is gearing up to launch two new, more matured variants of its GianChand single-malt whisky later this year, ahead of the festive season. These exclusive variants will be available in select markets and duty-free outlets nationwide.

On market expansion, DeVans plans to make a significant entry into Maharashtra this year while also strengthening its foothold in Goa. "Apart from this, our focus would be on improving market share in our present markets. On the international front, we have just restarted our exports to the US and are slowly expanding our GianChand network," said Prem Dewan, chairman and managing director, DeVANS Modern Breweries.