Indian liquor makers push for separate standards for single malt whisky

Indian liquor makers are planning to approach the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to introduce distinct standards for Indian single malt whisky. This move aims to protect the category’s reputation as it gains global recognition, exporting to several countries and winning prestigious international awards.

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), representing domestic alcobev manufacturers, is leading discussions on the initiative, according to media reports.

CIABC Director General Anant S. Iyer emphasised the need for FSSAI to amend its regulations to define Indian single malt whisky. Expressing concerns about misrepresentation, Anant clarified, “Single malt whisky should originate from a single distillery, unlike some products misleadingly labeled as such.” The proposed standards would ensure producers adhering to proper methods are distinguished from those who do not, safeguarding the integrity of the category.

In addition, Indian distillers are pursuing a geographical indication (GI) tag for Indian single malt whisky. A GI tag would enhance brand credibility and set minimum production standards.

Liquor companies’ initiative to approach FSSAI for dedicated standards for Indian single malt aligns with the country's food regulator’s implementation of single malt and single grain whisky definitions dated March 1, 2024.  This initiative underscores Indian whiskies’ growing prominence in the global market, competing with Scotch, American, and Japanese counterparts.