VIJAYAWADA: Big liquor companies including Ab InBev, United Spirits and United Breweries, which left Andhra Pradesh after YSRC government announced phase-wise prohibition in 2019, are now looking to make a comeback to the state.
While the primary reason for these companies to shut their operations in AP was alleged non-payment of outstanding dues, they had hastened through the exit process as they did not see any future prospects in view of the proposed phase-wise total prohibition.
They are now planning to send their proposals to the state government to restart their businesses in the state, sources said.
Sources said prohibition is not taking shape on expected lines and liquor turnover has witnessed a multi-fold increase in the last one year, which is the main reason for alcobev companies showing interest in returning to the liquor business in AP. Sources informed attempts are being made by these companies to reach out to the state government through industry bodies like FICCI and International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI).
Speaking to TOI, Carlsberg vice-president Rishi Chawla said that they are always open to do business with Andhra Pradesh in a conducive atmosphere. “In fact, both Telugu states have been a great market for beer and that is the reason why we opened a brewery in Telangana. We are forced to scale down the capacity utilisation of our brewery with the change in policy of AP government. We will be happy to supply our products that are known for quality worldwide if the Andhra Pradesh government resolved the pending issues,” he said.
APBCL managing director D Vasudeva Reddy told TOI that they are pursuing the issue with the alcohol companies. He said that UB Group and Diageo started their supplies recently and discussions are going on with other companies to resume their businesses.
The above news was originally posted on timesofindia.indiatimes.com
