Overview
- SWA chief Mark Kent said India could lead the world in both value and volume within a few years, citing premiumisation, economic growth and rising competition.
- India has reclaimed the top spot by volume with 192 million bottles in 2024, while the United States remains the largest market by value at £971 million.
- The FTA signed in London, pending ratification, lowers duties on UK whisky and gin from 150% to 75% initially and to 40% in the tenth year.
- With bulk Scotch making up 79% of exports to India, reduced tariffs are expected to lift bulk imports and supply more competitive inputs for IMFL bottling.
- Kent, who joined Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s business delegation to India in October, plans talks with authorities and trade bodies to turn the FTA framework into concrete partnerships, including with Indian single malt producers.