Alcohol consumption in India has seen a remarkable surge, especially in the luxury Scotch whiskey segment. While the US and China have traditionally been dominant consumers of expensive imported Scotch whiskey, India has made significant strides in this market. According to a study by Switzerland-based researcher Simon Joseph, India has outpaced China in the consumption rate of Scotch luxury whiskey over the past five years. Notably, Scotch whiskey is now consumed twice as much in India as in America, reflecting the rapid growth of this trend in the country.
The global Scotch whiskey market is witnessing a steady growth rate of 16% annually, with projections indicating that 66% of Scotch whiskey exports will be directed towards India by 2022. This expansion in the Indian market outpaces that of major players like the US and China, as confirmed by data from the UK-based Scotch Whiskey Association, which reported a 27% increase in Scotch whiskey exports to India in 2023 compared to 2019.
Luxury Scotch whiskey, previously limited to the elite class, is gaining traction in India, positioning the country as the fifth largest market for this category of alcohol. Notably, countries like America, France, Singapore, and Taiwan lead in luxury Scotch whiskey consumption. The rise in consumption can be attributed to the increasing number of affluent individuals in India, leading to a natural growth in the demand for premium spirits.
Experts predict that this trend is likely to continue as the affluent population in India grows, solidifying the country’s position as a key player in the luxury Scotch whiskey market.
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