Rising disposable incomes, higher global exposure and economic independence of youth and women are the major factors contributing to increasing consumption of wine in the country, which is likely to touch around 28 million litres by 2015, according to an Assocham study.
The current estimated level of wine consumption in India is 21 million litres, with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Punjab and Pune having the majority of wine consumers. The wine market is growing at 30 per cent annually.
The study pointed out that Mumbai accounts for 32 per cent of the total consumption in India, followed by Delhi and Goa, contributing 20 per cent each, Bangalore 18 per cent, Punjab 6 per cent and Pune 4 per cent.
Another reason for rising consumption is that many state governments have reduced duties on wine, eased restrictions on distribution allowing wine to be sold in supermarkets and have provided incentives for wineries to establish new facilities.
"Around 63 per cent of the volume sales of wine are through off-trade channels like five-star hotels, pubs and bar-restaurants. The market is expected to grow to 28 million litres by 2015," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.
Nashik in Maharashtra is one of the most fertile regions for growing wine in the country, along with some parts of Karnataka.
