India has once again become the fastest-growing alcohol market among 20 major global markets, according to new data from international research firm IWSR. This is the third year in a row that India has topped the list for growth in total beverage alcohol consumption during the first half of the year.
Between January and June 2025, India consumed more than 440 million cases of alcohol (each case equals twelve 750 ml bottles), marking a 7% growth compared to the same period last year.
Whisky Leads the Market
Whisky continues to be India’s favourite drink.
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Indian whisky volumes rose 7%, crossing 130 million cases.
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Vodka consumption increased 10%.
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Rum went up 2%, while gin and genever grew 3%.
Irish whiskey was the fastest-growing spirits category, jumping 23%, followed by agave-based spirits at 19%. Meanwhile, American whiskey saw a decline of 10%.
According to IWSR’s head of research Sarah Campbell, the growth in Indian whisky is driven by better quality, more consumers entering the category, and a stronger economy. Premium and higher-priced brands are performing better than cheaper spirits, showing that Indian consumers are trading up.
Ready-to-Drink & Beer Rising Fast
Among all alcohol categories:
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Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages grew the fastest at 11%.
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Beer grew 7%.
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Spirits overall grew 6%.
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Wine consumption stayed flat.
India to Become World’s 5th Largest Alcohol Market
IWSR’s long-term forecast shows India becoming the fifth-largest alcohol market in the world by 2033.
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India is expected to surpass Japan by 2027
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And overtake Germany by 2033.
The only markets that will remain bigger than India in 2033 are China, the US, Brazil, and Mexico.
Campbell added that India is quickly becoming one of the most important markets for the global alcohol industry, thanks to rising demand and increasing interest in premium brands. India-made single malts are also gaining popularity, slightly reducing Scotch malt’s share, while blended Scotch remains stable.
