- Extreme heat and good reforms are driving changes in consumption patterns and beer trends across Karnataka and Maharashtra.
- Policy changes and tax adjustments are boosting beer market growth in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Excise Tax Hike on Foreign Liquor Reduces Demand for Whisky
What happened
Maharashtra raised the excise tax on Indian-made foreign liquor, which covers mainstream Indian whisky, from three times to four and a half times the manufacturing cost in June 2025. This tax change sharply reduced demand for the product. Pernod Ricard reported that Indian sales grew only 3% in the first quarter following the excise change.
From thewhiskeywash.com
Why it matters
The tax adjustment in Maharashtra directly influences market demand for distilled beverages in the region. While Pernod Ricard posted 19% organic sales growth in the three months to September, this figure was influenced by weak comparisons in Maharashtra and early stock shipments.
Policy changes and tax adjustments are boosting beer market growth in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
From thewhiskeywash.com
Who's involved
- MaharashtraThe state that raised the excise tax on foreign liquor.
- Pernod RicardA French company that operates in Maharashtra and produces distilled beverages.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Pernod RicardSpeculative
Pernod Ricard might see its revenue affected due to the reduced demand for Indian-made foreign liquor in Maharashtra.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Maharashtra
state in the western and central peninsular region of India
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Pernod Ricard
French company that produces distilled beverages