Bengaluru, May 27, 2026: Karnataka is strengthening its position as one of India’s key alco-bev manufacturing hubs, with the state government promising long-term policy stability, regulatory reforms and stronger support for breweries and distilleries to encourage fresh investments.
The discussions took place during the ICC Brewery & Distillery Conclave and Awards 2026 held in Bengaluru, where policymakers, distillers, brewers and industry experts deliberated on the future growth roadmap for India’s brewing and distillery sector.
Addressing the conclave, Karnataka Excise Minister R B Timmapur said the state government has introduced several reforms aimed at improving ease of doing business for alco-bev manufacturers. These include simplified label approvals, digital compliance systems, faster declared price and MRP updation mechanisms, and streamlined annual licence renewal procedures.
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The minister said Karnataka is committed to providing policy stability and regulatory visibility for the alco-bev sector till 2030 to support long-term investments and manufacturing expansion in the state.
Timmapur noted that Karnataka generates nearly ₹40,000 crore annually through excise revenue, highlighting the economic importance of the alco-bev industry for the state.
During the conclave, industry leaders also stressed the importance of sustainable growth and stronger domestic sourcing across the alco-bev supply chain. Shivkumar Eashwaran highlighted the need to build an inclusive growth model that benefits breweries, distilleries, suppliers and rural stakeholders connected to the industry.
He emphasised the importance of sourcing agricultural raw materials such as barley, grains and fruits locally to improve supply chain resilience and strengthen India’s brewing and distillation ecosystem.
Sustainability emerged as another major focus area during the discussions, with industry experts highlighting water conservation, wastewater recycling, energy efficiency and circular economy practices as key priorities for the future of brewing and distillation operations.
The conclave also explored emerging opportunities in alco-bev tourism, brewery experiences, sustainable brewing infrastructure and technology-led manufacturing ecosystems. Industry participants said Karnataka has strong potential to emerge as a manufacturing hub for brewing equipment and allied technologies, particularly across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
With premiumisation trends, craft brewing and premium spirits consumption rising steadily in India, industry stakeholders believe Karnataka is well-positioned to become a major innovation and manufacturing centre for the country’s alco-bev sector.
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