Big names in India’s alcohol and tobacco sector—like ITC, United Breweries, and United Spirits—are hiring more women than ever before. What was once considered a male-dominated and socially “taboo” industry is now seeing a steady rise in female professionals, thanks to changing mindsets and a younger workforce that cares more about growth opportunities and values than social stigma.
At ITC, women made up 17% of permanent employees in FY25, up from 10% in FY20. Nearly 30% of contractual jobs are now also held by women. United Breweries and United Spirits have seen even sharper increases:
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United Breweries: Women employees grew from 4.6% in FY20 to 25% in FY25.
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United Spirits: Women rose from 19% to 28% in the same period. The company now aims to raise women’s share to 33% in the executive workforce and 50% in leadership by 2030.
Experts say this change is being driven not just by diversity goals but also by business needs. As more women are becoming consumers of alcohol and tobacco products, companies want their perspectives in areas like branding, product development, and sales.
Women are now entering roles that were traditionally closed off to them, including sales and core commercial functions, beyond marketing and HR. Global diversity and inclusion policies have also accelerated this shift in India.
Compared to the FMCG sector, where companies like Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, and Britannia already employ large numbers of women, alcobev and tobacco are still catching up but closing the gap quickly. For example:
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Hindustan Unilever: 42% women in workforce
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Nestlé India: Half of board members are women, and 24% of managers
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Britannia: 44% of factory workers are women, aiming for 50% by FY27
Some companies, like Godfrey Phillips, VST Industries, and Radico Khaitan, are moving slower but still reporting small increases in female hiring.
Industry leaders believe this is just the beginning. As Saundarya Rajesh of Avtar Group points out, the change is visible not just in big city offices but also in factories and small towns. Women are truly reshaping the “spirit” of the industry—both as professionals and as consumers.
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