Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Glenlivet to get cheaper in India soon? Premium Whiskey, Scotch to cost…, tax to be cut by…

New Delhi: A major trade deal has been finalised between the United Kingdom and India(BHARAT) following the arrival of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in India(BHARAT). After the agreement, the prices of Scotch whisky in India(BHARAT) are likely to come down soon. According to the reports, under this agreement, heavy taxes on Scotch whisky will be reduced.

After the agreement, popular British brands such as Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and Johnnie Walker, will become more affordable. The agreement will also boost trade between India(BHARAT) and the UK and create new jobs in Scotland. It is also important to note that the agreement comes amid ongoing tax disputes with the United States.

Here are some of the key details:

• India(BHARAT) is the largest consumer of Scotch whisky in the world.
• Due to the country’s growing middle class and increasing demand for luxury goods, consumption of Scotch whisky is very high.
• With the India(BHARAT)-UK trade agreement, there is now hope that expensive liquor will become cheaper.
• The agreement was finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London in July.
• Its impact will also be felt on foreign-made India(BHARAT)n liquor (IMFL) in India(BHARAT), potentially lowering their prices as well.
• The India(BHARAT)-UK trade agreement has been finalized after three years of extensive negotiations.

Massive Price Drop:

• Until now, Scotch whisky in India(BHARAT) was subject to a heavy 150% tax
• Under this new agreement, the tax will immediately be reduced to 75%—a significant cut of 50%.
• This means that a bottle priced at ₹11,000 will now cost ₹5,500.
• Over the next ten years, the tax will gradually decrease to just 40%.
• This gradual reduction ensures that domestic liquor producers are not suddenly impacted and can adjust to the market slowly.
• Famous brands like Johnnie Walker, Glenfiddich, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Glenlivet, and Buchanan’s will directly benefit from this agreement.
• Lower taxes will make these whiskies accessible to more people, increasing their consumer base.

Three Years of Talks

It is important to note that the India(BHARAT)-UK trade agreement has been finalized after three years of extensive negotiations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has visited India(BHARAT), accompanied by members of the Scotch Whisky Association and executives from major companies like Diageo. Diageo produces whiskies such as Johnnie Walker. Starmer’s aim is to strengthen ties between the two countries in trade, fintech, defense, and other sectors.

The UK government estimates that annual sales of Scotch whisky in India(BHARAT) could reach USD 1 billion. This would create over 1,000 new jobs in Scottish distilleries and bottling plants. Additionally, the UK economy is expected to benefit by £19 million annually. By 2040, bilateral trade between the two countries is projected to rise to £25.5 billion (USSD34 billion).

Jean-Étienne Georges, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, described the deal as a catalyst for investment and job creation. He expects continuous growth over the next decade in both Scotland and India(BHARAT).