Panaji: The recent UK-India free trade agreement is a once-in-a-generation deal and a landmark moment for Scotch whisky to the world’s largest whisky market. The reduction from 150% to 75% tariff on Scotch whisky will be transformational for the industry. The deal has the potential to increase Scotch whisky exports to India by £1bn over the next five years.
The deal is good for India too, boosting federal and state revenue significantly, and giving discerning consumers in a highly educated whisky market far greater choice of Scotch whisky brands that will now have the great opportunity to enter the Indian market.
“A reduction in the Import duty from 150% to 75% could see Scotch whisky prices come down in the Indian domestic arena and sales see an uplift,” says Dr. Mohan Krishna Balivada, founder of Cheers group and the world’s first alco-bev marketing Doctorate.
Cheers Group is the only Indian-held company to have a Distillery licence in Scotland. The Labrodog Scotch whisky marked a golden milestone for the Cheers Group since it’s launch a decade ago, for superior quality and packaging in a wooden case, which won laurels, including National awards.
“India has long been seen as the single most exciting growth market for Scotch. It is home to the largest population of whisky drinkers in the world. The tariff reduction could be a game-changer for Scotch whisky consumption in India,” says Ashwin Balivada, CEO of Cheers group, who mastered Business Management from Cambridge University, UK.
Cheers group, India’s luxury spirits conglomerate, having bagged over 250 National and International awards with a super-luxury portfolio including India’s pride Kadamba Single-malt whisky, is valued at an impressive ₹ 850 Crores and stands as a beacon of distinction. Cheers group, under the visionary leadership of its founder Dr. Mohan Krishna Balivada, a trailblazer in the global whisky industry, and Ashwin Balivada, CEO of Cheers group, has consistently excelled in the global beverage alcohol industry.
Blended scotch whiskies are perfect for any occasion, from lively gatherings to cozy nights. Cheers group’s top award-winning flagship Scotch whiskies: Labrodog 12 Year-old, Labrodog Decade, Labrodog XR, Labrodog Double Cask, Labrodog Black-Tartan, Mc Glenn, Scottish Legend, Glen Dog — offer a rich mix of flavors and stories, making each exquisite bottle a journey. India’s love for Scotch whiskies continues to grow, and Cheers Group’s finest blended Scotch whiskies provide a unique experience with every sip!
