CIABC urges for increased market access in European

Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) is urging for increased market access for Indian alcoholic beverage products in European markets. The industry body is calling on the European Union (EU) to eliminate non-tariff barriers that currently hinder the sale of the majority of Indian alcobev products in the European market.

According to CIABC, the stipulated conditions for a product to be classified as whisky (requiring a maturation period of not less than three years) and brandy (requiring a maturation period of one year) should be waived for products made in India. The reasoning behind this request is that India's warm climate accelerates the maturation process, making the traditional aging requirements less applicable to Indian alcoholic beverages.

The statement underscores that any free trade deal between India and the EU concerning alcoholic beverages should be at par with the ongoing trade negotiations with the UK. CIABC is advocating for a level playing field to ensure that alcobev products made in India receive equitable treatment and have an equal opportunity to compete in the European market.