In a game-changing move for India’s alcoholic beverage industry, the Indian Malt Whisky Association (IMWA) has officially launched, setting new benchmarks for Indian whisky on the global stage. With India’s whisky market valued at $26 billion in 2024 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% over the next five years, this initiative comes at a crucial time to position Indian malt whisky among the world’s best.
Raising the Bar: India Joins the Global Whisky League
IMWA now stands alongside global powerhouses like the Scotch Whisky Association, Irish Whiskey Association, and Japanese Spirits & Liquor Whisky Association. India, the largest whisky consumer in the world, accounting for 48% of global whisky sales, is now taking steps to refine its premium malt category. Key players like John Distilleries, Amrut Distilleries, Radico Khaitan, and Piccadily Agro are part of this ambitious endeavor.
Quality Standards: Setting the Gold Standard for Indian Malts
Under the leadership of Maj Gen (Dr) Rajesh Chopra, AVSM (Retd), IMWA has established rigorous standards to define what qualifies as an authentic Indian malt whisky:
- 100% malted barley usage – ensuring purity and tradition
- Copper pot stills for distillation – preserving the craft of whisky-making
- Minimum three-year ageing in oak barrels – guaranteeing depth of flavor
Industry Titans Driving Change
The IMWA leadership comprises industry giants like Paul P. John (John Distilleries), Rakshit N Jagdale (Amrut Distilleries), Abhishek Khaitan (Radico Khaitan), and Akhil Dada (Piccadily Agro). Their collective vision is clear:
- Establish India as a global leader in premium whisky
- Enforce fair trade policies to protect Indian malt whisky branding
- Crackdown on counterfeit products misrepresenting themselves as Indian single malts
Indian Whisky Goes Global: The Economic Impact
With Indian malt whisky exports already witnessing a 35% YoY increase, IMWA’s push for global recognition and standardization could further drive exports to over $1 billion annually. The ‘Made in India’ whisky revolution is not just about quality—it’s about economic transformation.
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What’s Next? The Road Ahead
By working closely with regulatory bodies, the IMWA will enforce stringent certification marks, GI tagging, and quality compliance to prevent dilution of Indian malt whisky’s reputation. This move is set to boost India’s position in the premium spirits segment, making it a serious competitor against Scotch and Japanese whisky in international markets.
With a booming domestic market and increasing global interest, Indian malt whisky is no longer just a local indulgence—it’s a world-class contender!
