India’s traditional alcoholic beverages such as Goa’s feni, Nashik’s artisanal wines, and Kerala’s toddy (kallu) are expected to gain market access in the UK following the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on July 25.
According to the commerce and industry ministry, these products will now enjoy Geographical Indication (GI) protection in the UK, offering Indian drinks a place in high-end retail and hospitality channels.
The FTA allows Indian beverages to enter UK markets with formal recognition of their geographical roots. “The agreement will help position Indian craft beverages like feni, toddy and artisanal wine alongside global counterparts such as Scotch whisky,” a senior ministry official reportedly said.
Retail chains, boutique alcohol stores, and hospitality businesses in the UK are being considered as potential points of entry for these drinks. The government expects this visibility to encourage further international interest in regional Indian beverages
India’s alcoholic beverage exports stood at ₹2,200 crore in 2023–24, with key markets including the UAE, Singapore, the Netherlands, Tanzania, Angola, Kenya and Rwanda. The current export value is $370.5 million, and the government has set a target of $1 billion by 2030.
India is currently ranked 40th globally in alcoholic beverage exports. The commerce ministry aims to place India among the top 10 exporters in the coming years.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) had earlier noted that India’s alcoholic drinks such as gin, rum, beer and wine have global potential. A push is being made to promote them internationally with proper branding, storytelling and packaging.
The signing of the FTA is expected to complement this effort by creating an institutional path for trade and recognition, particularly in developed markets like the UK.