India Liqueur Market Overview, 2030

The liqueur market in India is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the country’s beverage industry, driven by a combination of changing consumer preferences, increasing disposable incomes, and the rising demand for premium and imported products. Traditionally, India has been a market dominated by local spirits such as whisky and rum, which are deeply ingrained in the drinking culture. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards premiumization, with consumers becoming more inclined towards high-quality, branded, and imported liqueurs. This trend is especially prevalent in urban areas where rising incomes, greater exposure to international drinking cultures, and a more sophisticated consumer base are driving demand for premium spirits. At the same time, the increasing popularity of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, flavored liqueurs, and craft spirits has also played a significant role in expanding the market’s diversity. Younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are seeking out lighter, innovative drinks that align with global trends, such as low-alcohol beverages and organic or gluten-free options. The market is also witnessing the rise of craft distilleries, many of which are experimenting with locally sourced ingredients and flavors to cater to an emerging demand for artisanal products. The liqueur market in India has been significantly impacted by the growing social acceptance of alcohol consumption, especially among younger demographics. Furthermore, as the country continues to urbanize, the demand for both domestic and international liqueur brands is expected to rise steadily.

According to the research report ""India liqueur Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the India liqueur market was valued at more than USD 8.54 Billion in 2024. Factors such as increased disposable income, changing cultural norms, and the growing trend of premium and imported liqueur consumption are driving this growth. A significant portion of this growth is expected to come from the expanding middle class, who are becoming more willing to experiment with different types of alcoholic beverages. Premium whiskey, vodka, rum, and gin are particularly expected to see strong growth, as India has become an increasingly important market for international liqueur brands. At the same time, local brands continue to dominate the market, especially in the whisky segment, where Indian-made brands such as Royal Stag, McDowell’s No. 1, and Officer’s Choice maintain a significant market share. The rise of e-commerce and online liqueur sales is also contributing to the market's expansion, allowing consumers easier access to a broader range of products from both domestic and international markets. This is particularly attractive to urban dwellers and younger consumers who prefer shopping online. Additionally, the growing number of international spirits brands entering the Indian market indicates a promising future for the premium liqueur sector. The increasing acceptance of alcohol consumption in social gatherings, along with the rise of social drinking, is expected to continue driving market growth in the coming years.

The liqueur market in India is segmented by product type into whisky, rum, vodka, gin, and others. Whisky remains the most dominant category, accounting for a large share of the market due to its deep-rooted popularity among Indian consumers. The whisky segment includes both premium and mass-market brands, with the latter seeing the highest demand in terms of volume. Whisky is culturally ingrained in India, particularly in social and celebratory contexts, and remains a go-to choice for many consumers. Rum is the second-largest category in terms of volume, with brands such as Bacardi and McDowell’s No. 1 being prominent players in the Indian market. Rum enjoys significant popularity, particularly in southern India, where it is often consumed with a mix of soft drinks. Vodka and gin have emerged as important growth segments in recent years, driven by the rising demand for cocktails and the increasing number of young, urban consumers who are experimenting with different types of liqueur. In particular, vodka has seen a surge in demand due to its versatility in cocktails and its appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for low-calorie options. Gin, with its botanical infusions and versatile nature, has also gained popularity as part of the ongoing cocktail culture in India. Other specialty liqueurs, such as wine, brandy, and liqueurs, are expanding in niche markets, especially among upper-income groups who seek more refined drinking experiences. As the market continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly diverse, catering to a wide array of preferences and tastes across different consumer segments.

Packaging plays a crucial role in the Indian liqueur market, influencing consumer perceptions and brand identity. The choice of packaging material can impact both the quality of the product and its appeal to consumers. Glass remains the most common material used for premium spirits, especially in the whisky, rum, and vodka categories. Glass bottles are perceived as a symbol of quality and are often designed with intricate details and embossed logos to reinforce the premium image of the product. Premium liqueurs, especially imported ones, tend to have unique bottle shapes and packaging designs that set them apart from local offerings. On the other hand, mass-market liqueurs are often packaged in more standardized glass bottles or plastic containers, reflecting their affordability and accessibility. PET bottles are increasingly popular for domestic and mid-tier brands due to their lower cost, lightweight nature, and practicality. Additionally, metal cans have gained traction in the market, particularly for RTD (ready-to-drink) cocktails and single-serve beverages. These cans are seen as convenient and portable options for on-the-go consumption, making them popular in urban areas. Sustainable packaging is also becoming an important consideration in the Indian liqueur market as consumers become more environmentally conscious. Brands are exploring eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable materials and recyclable packaging to appeal to sustainability-minded customers. Packaging plays a significant role in shaping the consumer experience, and as the Indian liqueur market continues to evolve, packaging innovations will be crucial in differentiating products and attracting consumer attention.

Distribution channels are an essential factor in the success of the liqueur market in India, ensuring that products reach the right consumers efficiently. Traditional brick-and-mortar liqueur stores remain the primary distribution channel for liqueur in India. These outlets range from large, multi-brand retail shops to smaller, neighborhood stores that cater to local demand. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are also increasingly offering a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including both domestic and international brands, to cater to the growing demand for convenience and variety. Bars, restaurants, and clubs are important distribution channels for premium liqueurs, as they provide a platform for consumers to try and purchase high-end alcoholic drinks. The rise of the cocktail culture and the increasing number of social drinking occasions are driving the demand for premium spirits in these establishments. Additionally, e-commerce platforms have emerged as a growing channel for liqueur sales in India. Online platforms allow consumers to browse a wide variety of products, often with home delivery options, and have become increasingly popular among urban consumers who value convenience and variety. Online liqueur sales are also gaining traction due to the ongoing pandemic, which has led to relaxed regulations on alcohol sales in some states. Overall, the distribution landscape in India is evolving, with a mix of traditional retail and digital platforms ensuring that liqueur brands can reach a wide range of consumers. This shift in distribution channels is helping to drive growth in the Indian liqueur market, which is expected to continue expanding rapidly in the coming years.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Liqueur Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Neutrals/Bitters
• Creams
• Fruit Flavoured
• Others

By Packaging Type
• Glass
• PET Bottle
• Metal Can
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• Convenience Stores
• On Premises
• Retailers
• Supermarkets

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.