New Delhi, 24 February 2026 — India’s distillery and bio-energy sector is stepping into a crucial phase. With ethanol blending levels close to E20, growing support for flex-fuel vehicles, and stronger sustainability requirements, the industry is no longer just increasing production — it is rethinking how it operates for the future.
In this context, the All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) will host its Annual Distillers’ Conclave 2026 on 24 March in New Delhi. The event is being positioned as a serious strategy forum, not just another industry conference.
A Platform for the Next Phase of Growth
The main goal of the Conclave is to bring together policymakers, distillery owners, technology providers, investors, and sustainability experts to discuss what comes next for India’s biofuel journey. As regulations evolve and investments increase, the sector must tackle important questions — such as higher ethanol blends, advanced biofuels, sustainable production models, and long-term competitiveness.
This year’s Conclave will focus on four key themes that reflect the industry’s shift from rapid expansion to smarter, more efficient growth.
1. The Future of Biofuels and Technology
Discussions will explore what lies beyond E20 blending, how prepared supply chains are, and the potential of alternative fuels like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and ethanol-diesel blends. The focus will be on building a future-ready biofuel system that is both practical and economically viable.
2. Sustainability and Smarter Operations
This track will look at how distilleries can become more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. Topics include AI-driven fermentation processes, zero-liquid discharge systems, ESG-led growth strategies, and circular economy models that convert waste into valuable resources. The idea is to turn sustainability from a compliance requirement into a competitive advantage.
3. Flex-Fuel Vehicles and Market Adoption
As flex-fuel and E-100 vehicles gain attention, discussions will connect ethanol production with developments in the automotive and fuel distribution sectors. Industry leaders and policymakers will examine standards, logistics, consumer confidence, and fleet adoption strategies to speed up India’s shift to biofuel-based mobility.
4. Potable Alcohol Policy and Market Growth
The Conclave will also address the business side of potable alcohol, including state excise policies, pricing structures, investments, technology upgrades, export opportunities, and changing consumer trends.
Recognising Industry Excellence
The event will feature a Grand Awards Night to honour outstanding achievements in ethanol production, sustainability innovation, advanced distillery practices, exports, and emerging leadership. These awards highlight how the distillery sector is becoming a key part of India’s energy and industrial ecosystem.
A Strategic Industry Moment
More than 300 senior decision-makers — including distillers, oil marketing companies, automobile manufacturers, regulators, technology firms, and investors — are expected to attend. The focus will be on practical solutions such as feedstock management, pricing stability, ESG financing, export readiness, and digital transformation.
At a broader level, the Conclave positions the distillery industry as an important contributor to India’s energy security, rural income growth, and emission reduction goals. Ethanol blending has already helped reduce crude oil imports and support farmers. The next phase will require clear policies, faster innovation, and better coordination across the ecosystem.
With its Annual Distillers’ Conclave 2026, AIDA aims not just to host discussions, but to help define the roadmap for India’s next phase of bio-energy growth. The ideas and decisions emerging from this platform are expected to influence policy, investments, and industry strategy well beyond the event itself.
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