Good news for beer lovers! This summer is about to get a whole lot cooler – and cheaper – thanks to a major change in India’s trade policy. With the India-UK Free Trade Agreement now in place, the import duty on British beers has been slashed by a whopping 75%, down from the earlier 150%. That means your favourite British brews could soon be more affordable at your local bar or liquor store.
A Beer-Lover’s Summer
With microbreweries booming and more gastro pubs popping up across Indian cities, beer drinkers are in for a treat. “Beer is perfect for our tropical climate – it’s refreshing, light on alcohol, and fits every occasion from house parties to cricket nights,” says Pankil Shah, co-owner of a popular pub in Mumbai.
Debayan Datta, manager of a nationwide pub chain, agrees: “It’s versatile and social – from relaxed evenings to loud celebrations, beer just works.”
British Brews on the Menu
Thanks to the reduced import duty, premium UK brands like Boddingtons, Newcastle Brown Ale, Fuller’s, Carling, Cobra, John Smith’s, and Hobgoblin could soon become more accessible to Indian consumers. “These beers are usually maltier and smoother, which is great for newcomers to craft beer,” Shah notes.
Styles like IPAs and stouts (think Guinness) are also gaining traction, though industry experts say more awareness is needed. “People buy beers like Corona or Hoegaarden because they’ve seen them in movies,” says Gurpreet Singh, a Bengaluru-based alcohol brand owner. “UK beers will need better branding to catch on.”
Local Craft Scene Still Going Strong
India’s own microbrewery scene is thriving – especially among young urban drinkers. “Craft beers are low on preservatives and reasonably priced, which makes them popular,” says Sk Samim, GM of a pub chain in Eastern India. With both premium imports and innovative local brews now available, Indian drinkers truly have more options than ever.
What’s Trending This Season?
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Crisp lagers: perfect for hot weather
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Wheat beers: smooth and slightly fruity
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Flavoured brews: think mango, chili, even coffee
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Craft ales: bold and experimental
Industry Reactions
Experts believe this import duty cut won’t just benefit consumers in India – it might also open doors for Indian craft and mainstream beers to enter UK markets. “There’s growing interest in world beers in the UK, and this could be a great opportunity,” says Rini Chatterjee, an F&B consultant from Delhi.
“Urban drinkers are curious, and beer festivals plus microbreweries have only fuelled that interest,” adds Debayan Datta.
But Not in Karnataka…
However, beer lovers in Karnataka may not be celebrating just yet. The state has hiked its additional excise duty on beer again – from 195% to 200%. Meanwhile, Indian Made Liquor (IML) prices are also set to rise by ₹15–₹20 per 180 ml bottle. For Karnataka, beer might still remain a pricier pour.
