​Beverage News from India & the World

Himmaleh Spirits, the craft distillery behind Kumaon & I and Bandarful, proudly introduces Neoli Himalayan Rum, World’s first White Pure Single Himlayan Agricole-Style Rum from the Himalayas. Crafted in small batches in Kumaon, Neoli is a bold new expression of terroir-driven craftsmanship, blending Himalayan purity with the rich sugarcane heritage of the region.
Unlike conventional rums, Neoli is distilled in a Double Retort Pot Still- for the first time in India entirely from fresh sugarcane juice, steering clear of molasses or jaggery and spontaneously fermented. This farm-to-bottle rum embraces the natural sweetness and crisp minerality of the land, delivering a refined yet complex profile. With smooth vanilla undertones and a bright sugarcane finish, Neoli is bottled at 49% ABV, creating a spirit that is both elegant and full-bodied—perfect for sipping neat or crafting sophisticated cocktails.
Excited about the launch, Samarth Prasad, Co-founder of Himmaleh Spirits says, “Neoli embodies our commitment to purity, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Every bottle carries the story of Kumaon, from the sugarcane farmers who nurture the fields to the distillers who bring their expertise to every batch. We’re thrilled to finally share this incredible product with the world.”
Neoli is more than a spirit; it is a tribute to Kumaon’s land and people. The region’s high-altitude climate, rich soil, and pristine water create the ideal environment for cultivating exceptional sugarcane, which is then distilled with minimal intervention to preserve its natural character. Inspired by the Nyoli bird (Great Indian Barbet), known for its melodic call, Neoli embodies the purity and timeless rhythm of the Himalayas.
“India’s rum industry is at an inflection point, with consumers seeking quality, authenticity, and provenance in their spirits,” says Ansh Khanna, Co-founder of Himmaleh Spirits. “Neoli is not just another rum—it’s an elevation of the category. By embracing the Agricole tradition and harnessing Kumaon’s natural bounty, we are introducing a spirit that is pure, distinctive, and crafted to redefine the rum experience in India and beyond.”
Sustainability is central to Neoli’s ethos. Himmaleh Spirits works closely with local farmers and artisans, ensuring 100% traceability and ethical sourcing. By supporting sustainable agriculture and responsible distillation, Neoli honours both the land and the hands that cultivate it.
Now available in select markets across India, Neoli Rum is set to captivate discerning spirits enthusiasts, with plans for international expansion soon.
Experience the True Spirit of the Himalayas. Experience Neoli.
Factsheet
Size: 750 ml, ABV: 49%
Pricing and Availability: MRP – ₹3000 (Goa), ₹2700 (Uttarakhand)
( Excerpt from a release) 

HS Oberoi Spirits is proud to introduce Hardys, one of Australia’s most celebrated and awarded wine houses, to its growing portfolio in India. With a winemaking legacy that dates back to 1853, Hardys has become a global symbol of heritage, quality, and consistency — and is now set to strengthen its presence across premium Indian retail and horeca spaces.
Founded by Thomas Hardy in South Australia’s McLaren Vale, Hardys played a foundational role in the evolution of the Australian wine industry. From humble beginnings with just £30 and a vision to create “wines prized in the markets of the world,” the brand today boasts over 9,000 global accolades and continues to be one of the most recognised names in winemaking. While Hardys has had a presence in India in the past, this renewed launch under HS Oberoi Spirits marks a fresh chapter — with a sharper focus on availability, premium positioning, and long-term brand building.
“Hardys is more than just a wine label — it’s a benchmark in global winemaking. We’re excited to bring their legacy and award-winning portfolio to Indian consumers with the commitment and scale it deserves,” said Manveer Singh Oberoi, Founder, HS Oberoi Spirits. As part of its launch, HS Oberoi Spirits will introduce a curated selection of Hardys wines across major Indian cities, catering to both loyal fans of the brand and a new generation of wine enthusiasts.
( Excerpt from a release) 

In the 12 months ended March 2025, Australian wine exports increased by 41 per cent in value to $2.64 billion and by 6 per cent in volume to 647 million litres, according to Wine Australia’s Export Report released today. The average value of exports increased by 33 per cent to $4.09 per litre free on board (FOB), the highest average value in almost two decades.
Peter Bailey, Manager, Market Insights, Wine Australia said, “the increase in average value is mainly due to the elevated level of premium wine shipments to mainland China, after tariffs on Australian bottled wine were removed at the end of March 2024. The 12 months ended March 2025 represented a full year’s worth of exports to mainland China since the tariffs were eliminated – resulting in 96 million litres of exports to the market, valued at $1.03 billion.
“While the total value of shipments to mainland China is now at a similar level to the years immediately before tariffs on Australian bottled wine came into force, volume in the last 12 months is 23 per cent smaller than the 5-year average between 2016 and 2020 and 44 per cent below the peak in 2018.
“Additionally, the average value of packaged wine shipped to mainland China was $23.00 per litre, much higher than any other major export market. The lower volume and high average value demonstrate that mainland China is a premium market for Australian wine and will therefore not solve oversupply issues in Australia.”
Exports to the rest of the world (excluding mainland China) declined by 13 per cent in value to $1.62 billion and 9 per cent in volume to 551 million litres. This was the lowest value to the rest of the world in ten years and lowest volume in over twenty years. While the decline in value was mainly driven by Hong Kong as sales transitioned to mainland China, the volume drop was due to the declines in exports key destinations such as the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), and Canada.

e global wine market is facing considerable headwinds which are impacting on results for other markets aside from mainland China and are unlikely to be resolved in the near-term. While there has been a long-term trend of consumers drinking less alcohol due to health and wellness concerns, more recent cost-of-living pressures could continue or potentially get worse in certain markets, given the economic and political turmoil taking place globally. Escalating trade wars have the potential to increase prices, complicate supply chains, and rapidly change the competitive landscape in key wine markets in the near-term.
On 2 April 2025, US President Trump announced tariffs on all importing countries, including Australia. Australian wine is now subject to a 10 per cent tariff on arrival in the US. At the time of publication, all other nations also had a 10 per cent tariff applied, however the situation is evolving and there is still a lot of uncertainty about what the longer-term position might be. Because there are a number of factors to account for – how much of the increased cost will get passed on to consumers, the effect of a global trade war on foreign exchange rates, and whether consumers will start to switch to domestic wines – it is hard to predict how this will affect Australian wine exports to the US in the short-to-medium term.
In the 12 months ended March 2025, Australian wine exports to the US declined by 17 per cent in volume to 106 million litres and 9 per cent in value to $323 million, making it Australia’s second largest market by volume and third largest market by value. Exports to the United States have been on a long-term decline, with Australian exports now at the lowest level since the early 2000s.
Australian wine exports to the UK, the largest export market by volume, declined by 8 per cent in volume to 208 million litres and 3 per cent in value to $353 million. Despite this decline, the number of exporters shipping to the UK increased to 314 businesses, up by 23 from the previous 12 months. Of the top 20 exporters by value, 15 experienced a growth in export value in the past year.
Exports to Canada declined by 19 per cent in volume to 60 million litres and increased by 3 per cent in value to $151 million. Average value grew by 27 per cent to $2.53 per litre, driven by an increase in packaged exports with an average value of $5 per litre and above, and a decline in unpackaged exports.
The top five destinations by value were:

• Mainland China (up $1.01 billion to $1.03 billion)
• UK (down $12 million to $353 million)
• US (down $32 million to $323 million)
• Hong Kong (down $136 million to $154 million), and
• Canada (up $3.8 million to $151 million).

The top five destinations by volume were:

• UK (down 19 million litres to 208 million litres)
• US (down 21 million litres to 106 million litres)
• Mainland China (up 94 million litres to 96 million litres)
• Canada (down 14 million litres to 60 million litres), and
• New Zealand (down 3.5 million litres to 26 million litres).

(Excerpt from a release)