Thiruvananthapuram: Beer lovers in Kerala may soon get a taste of European brews. Officials from Estonia and Portugal have approached the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) to explore the possibility of selling their beer brands in the state.
Currently, Bevco sells imported liquor and wine but not foreign-made beer. “The excise department has already cleared the sale of foreign beers. Now, it’s up to the finance department to decide the tax rates,” said Harshita Attaluri, CMD of Bevco.
The embassy officials also showed interest in Kerala’s imported liquor and wine market. Attaluri added that companies can apply through Bevco’s official portal to begin the process.
Sales of imported liquor and wine are already growing. Between April and mid-August this year, Bevco sold 1.14 lakh cases compared to 1.04 lakh during the same period last year. Attaluri noted that Bevco’s walk-in stores, where customers can directly pick their choice from shelves, have boosted these numbers.
Beer sales up at Bevco shops, down in bars
Beer sales through Bevco outlets have risen to 18.28 lakh cases this year (till mid-August), compared to 17.36 lakh cases last year. However, sales to bars and beer parlours have dipped, falling from 22.62 lakh cases last year to 19.95 lakh cases this year.
Bevco has also proposed introducing low-alcohol drinks, a move supported by the tourism industry to cater to visitor demand. The excise department has approved it, and the finance department is now working on fixing tax slabs.
