Tahmar Enterprises Limited has received approval from the Maharashtra State Excise Department to manufacture Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) using grain-based spirit during the financial year 2026-27. The regulatory clearance allows the company to expand its operations beyond bulk grain-based spirit, bio-ethanol and industrial alcohol production and enter the branded spirits segment.
According to the company, the approval covers the manufacture of grain-based IMFL at its distillation facility located in Berdwadi-Bhadgaon, Taluka Gadhinglaj, District Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The licence is valid for FY 2026-27, with the company paying a licence fee of ₹33.62 lakh for the authorization.
The Maharashtra excise approval marks an important step in Tahmar Enterprises’ plans to utilize its existing distillery infrastructure for the production of consumer-facing alcoholic beverages. Grain-based IMFL can include categories such as whisky, rum and vodka, giving the company an opportunity to develop and market branded spirits in the Maharashtra market.
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The move represents a shift in the company’s value chain, from supplying bulk grain-based spirit and bio-ethanol to potentially manufacturing finished alcoholic beverage products. By moving further into the branded IMFL segment, Tahmar Enterprises can use its existing manufacturing capabilities while exploring opportunities in the higher-value consumer spirits market.
Maharashtra is a significant market for alcoholic beverages, although the sector operates under a closely regulated state excise framework. Manufacturers and brand owners are required to comply with licensing, taxation, production and distribution requirements, making regulatory approvals an important part of any expansion into the state’s liquor market.
The company has also scheduled a Board meeting for September 21, 2026. Among the matters expected to be considered are expressions of interest relating to the company’s distillery undertaking and the proposed sale of certain non-core properties. These developments come as Tahmar Enterprises continues to evaluate the use and restructuring of its business assets.
The company was previously known as Sarda Papers and has been expanding its business interests into areas including bio-energy and distillery operations. The latest excise approval provides a regulatory pathway for its Kolhapur facility to manufacture grain-based IMFL during FY27.
Going forward, the company’s progress in the branded spirits segment will depend on the commencement of commercial production, product development, brand positioning and distribution across Maharashtra. The launch timeline and the company’s ability to establish its products in the competitive IMFL market will be key developments to watch.
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