Popular British beer brands like BrewDog, Theakston Old Peculier, and Vocation are available in India, but their presence is limited. These beers are mostly sold in premium bars, pubs, and select retail stores in major cities.
However, things may change soon. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to come into effect within the next three months. Once implemented, the prices of British beers in India could drop by up to 75%. That means a beer that currently costs ₹200 might be available for just ₹50. While this opens the door for cheaper beer, the path isn’t completely clear yet.
In India, alcohol taxation is a state subject, which means each state has the authority to set its own taxes, duties, and pricing rules on liquor—regardless of central government policies or international trade agreements. So, if a state decides to increase beer taxes, it could offset the benefit of the reduced import duties. This could make it unlikely for a ₹200 beer to be sold at ₹50 in every region.
Importantly, this deal doesn’t only apply to beer. Scotch whisky and luxury cars from the UK are also included. For instance, the duty on Scotch whisky will be reduced from 150% to 75%, which could make these products more affordable in the Indian market.
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India has a large and growing beer market. By 2024, the domestic beer industry is estimated to be worth ₹50,000 crore, growing at an annual rate of 8–10%.
Kingfisher remains the most sold beer in the country, produced by United Breweries. Other popular beer brands include Budweiser, Heineken, Carlsberg, Beer 91, Haywards 5000, Knock Out, Tuborg, Bira, and Foster’s.
Southern states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have high beer consumption. Goa, known for its relaxed liquor laws, is a hotspot for beer due to tourism. In the north, cities like Delhi and Chandigarh also show strong demand.
Once the agreement is signed, whisky, beer, and cars from the UK are expected to become cheaper in India. Similarly, the UK will reduce tariffs on Indian garments and heavy goods exported from India. This trade deal is likely to give a fresh boost to economic ties between the two countries.