Move Over France, India Is Now World’s Biggest Scotch Whisky Market; Imported About 219 Million In 2022

by Shreya Rathod
Move Over France, India Is Now World’s Biggest Scotch Whisky Market; Imported About 219 Million In 2022

At parties, special occasions or after a hectic day — we Indians love to have a drink, right? But, do you know which drink most Indians prefer? It’s Scotch! A long-standing status symbol in India, scotch is one of the most expensive yet in-demand drinks. The sharp and malty notes have always appeased Indian taste buds, but this time, the demand has hit an all-time high, so much, so that we have surpassed France, becoming the world’s largest Scotch whisky buyer. Here is what the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has to say about this.

India Is The Largest Buyer Of Scotch Whisky

scotch whisky
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Scotch whisky — single or blended — makes for only two per cent of India’s total whisky market. Though blended ones are a cheaper option that most Indians prefer, the demand for single malts has been growing. This can be due to the rise in spending power and cultural shifts. In 2022, two hundred and fifteen Scotch bottles were shipped to India, marking a sixty per cent rise in imports compared to the previous year. India also charges import tariffs of one hundred and fifty per cent on each Scotch whisky bottle while squeezing profit margins for producers.

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Trade Talks Between UK & India

India and the United Kingdom are in trade talks regarding the import tariffs charged on these amber malt bottles by the former country. They are yet to reach a negotiation regarding these charges. But if there is a reduction in these charges, then the amber malt will be accessible to wider whisky enthusiasts. And this will mean a massive rise in imports compared to the one in 2022.

According to the Scotch Whisky Association, the homegrown whisky industry in India was the reason for duties on Scotch whisky. Moreover, they state that double-digit growth in the Asia-Pacific region indicates an overtaking of Asia from Europe for being the largest Scotch consumer.

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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Image