Kolkata, Oct. 4 -- Consumers in Bengal may have to pay less for several imported Scotch whisky brands, with prices of foreign-origin spirits expected to fall by around 7 per cent to 10 per cent following changes in import duties and pricing arrangements.
The reduction is likely to be most noticeable in the bottled-in-origin (BIO) segment, which comprises spirits bottled abroad and imported into India. Brands such as Chivas, Johnnie Walker Black Label, among others, are among those expected to see price cuts.
The move could bring some entry-level imported brands below the Rs 2,000 mark, while popular premium labels could also become more affordable. Industry sources said the change may help narrow the price gap between imported Scotch and premium Indian-made
foreign liquor.
BIO spirits currently account for only about 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent of liquor sales in Bengal by volume, but their share is estimated at 4 per cent to 5 per cent in value terms. The segment is estimated to be worth around Rs 1,500 crore in the state.
The price reduction comes at an important time for the trade, with Durga Puja expected to drive higher liquor sales. Retailers are anticipating stronger demand if
the revised prices translate into lower shelf prices for consumers.
Bengal's overall liquor industry is estimated at around Rs 38,000 crore, excluding or separately accounting for beer and country spirits in industry estimates. The state has also set an excise revenue target of about Rs 25,000 crore for the current financial year.
Industry players now expect the cheaper imported spirits to expand the premium liquor market, particularly among consumers who previously found international brands too expensive.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.