Bengaluru: India’s premium alcoholic beverages market continued to demonstrate resilience in the September quarter of FY 2026-27, with leading liquor and beer manufacturers reporting strong revenue and profit growth amid rising costs. Radico Khaitan, United Breweries and Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) recorded improved financial performance, supported by premiumisation, changing consumer preferences and growth in selected markets.
Radico Khaitan reported total income of ₹5,588 crore for the quarter, an increase of 10% year-on-year, while net profit surged 66% to ₹232 crore. The company, known for brands such as Magic Moments vodka and Rampur whisky, recorded 35.8% growth in its Prestige & Above segment volumes, even as volumes of regular products declined 9.7%. Premium products accounted for 77.1% of the company’s Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) revenue, compared with 68.6% a year earlier. Managing Director Abhishek Khaitan said the company would continue prioritising premium spirits while selectively selling regular products in markets where they remain profitable. He also highlighted the growing popularity of vodka, whose share of liquor consumption in India has increased to 6.3% from 3.7% approximately two years ago.
United Breweries, the maker of Kingfisher beer and part of the Heineken group, reported total income of ₹4,664 crore, up 24% from ₹3,752 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. Quarterly profit nearly tripled to ₹135 crore from ₹46 crore. Overall beer volumes increased 16%, while premium beer volumes surged 38%. Heineken Silver recorded 67% growth, and Kingfisher Ultra volumes rose 44%. Higher sales volumes, price increases, premiumisation and cost-saving initiatives supported the company’s performance.
Allied Blenders and Distillers reported total income of ₹2,089 crore, up 7%, while net profit increased 10% to ₹69 crore. Its Prestige & Above volumes grew 6.1% to 4.5 million cases, while the Mass Premium & Others portfolio expanded 15.5% to 5.5 million cases. However, operating margins declined to 12.4% from 13.1%, reflecting brand-building expenditure and supply-chain disruptions.
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Telangana Liquor Sales Cross ₹2,000 Crore in 19 Days Ahead of Dasara; Beer Volumes Surge 41%Karnataka emerged as a key growth market, with Radico Khaitan’s premium portfolio expanding 120% following liquor duty rationalisation. United Breweries also identified Karnataka as a major contributor to market-share gains. The results underline how premiumisation, evolving consumer aspirations and demand for higher-value beverages are reshaping India’s alcoholic beverages industry.
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