New Delhi, 28 Sept

South Indian states dominated nation’s Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) sales in FY25, accounting for 58 per cent of total revenue, with Karnataka retaining the top national position by contributing 17 per cent of pan-India volumes, according to industry body CIABC.

The five southern states, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, along with Union Territory Puducherry, consumed 23.18 crore cases of IMFL in FY25.

Karnataka led with 6.88 crore cases, followed by Tamil Nadu at 6.47 crore. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh accounted for 3.71 crore and 3.55 crore cases, while Kerala recorded 2.29 crore. Puducherry saw a 10 per cent rise with 0.28 crore cases.

CIABC Director General Anant S Iyer attributed slower pan-India growth to a weak Q1, affected by general elections and excise policy issues in several states. “Excise policy changes and state levy hikes continue to impact volumes in the short to medium term,” he said.

Despite these challenges, southern states reported nearly 1 per cent growth in IMFL sales, with premium and luxury segments, particularly whiskies, witnessing strong demand.

North India contributed 20 per cent, led by Uttar Pradesh, while the western region accounted for 12 per cent, with Maharashtra topping the list at 2.71 crore cases. The eastern region contributed 10 per cent, with West Bengal leading at 1.49 crore. Sales in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir fell by 20 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.

Iyer said companies are increasingly experimenting with premium whiskies, rums, and vodkas, adding that India remains the largest whisky market globally, with continued trends of premiumisation. - PTI