Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s fastest-growing state in alcohol exports during the first quarter of FY2026-27, with exports of alcoholic beverages rising 45.4% year-on-year. The growth is significantly higher than the national average and comes after Uttar Pradesh became the first state in India to introduce a dedicated policy aimed at promoting alcohol exports.
According to data compiled by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India exported alcoholic products worth Rs 965 crore between April and June 2026, with Uttar Pradesh contributing Rs 122.3 crore, or nearly 13% of the national total. In volume terms, India exported 8.13 crore litres of alcohol during the quarter, of which 1.05 crore litres were produced by distilleries in Uttar Pradesh.
The state also recorded a sharp 163% increase in the production of bottled liquor and Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) during the period. The surge has helped Uttar Pradesh move from its traditional seventh or eighth position among India’s alcohol-exporting states to third place for the first time. Maharashtra continues to lead the sector, while Punjab remains a major competitor in the national export market.
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Industry stakeholders have attributed the strong export performance to Uttar Pradesh’s alcohol export promotion policy, which aims to create a more supportive environment for distilleries and other alcoholic beverage manufacturers. Brewers Association of India president Vinod Giri said the policy framework needs to be supported by high-quality products to sustain growth and strengthen India’s position in the global alcoholic beverage market.
Giri noted that India currently accounts for less than 1% of global alcoholic beverage trade, indicating significant potential for further expansion. He said Uttar Pradesh’s policy-led approach could help local producers tap international markets, provided the focus remains on product quality, competitiveness and long-term market development.
The growth in alcohol production and exports is also creating wider economic benefits in Uttar Pradesh. Distilleries are increasing procurement of sugarcane and food grains from farmers, supporting rural incomes, while rising demand for glass bottles, packaging, logistics and transportation is generating additional employment opportunities.
Excise Commissioner Adarsh Singh said rationalisation of the duty structure and registration fees has helped accelerate production and exports from the state. With its expanding distillery base, strong agricultural supply chain and dedicated export policy, Uttar Pradesh is increasingly positioning itself as a major hub for India’s alcoholic beverage exports
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