​Beverage News from India & the World

Australian wine exports have fallen below 600 million litres for the first time since 2004, marking another milestone in what is becoming a structural shift for the global wine industry rather than a temporary slowdown.According to Wine Australia's Export Report for the year ended June 2026, exports declined 7% in value to A$2.30 billion and 6% in volume to 598 million litres. While the figures may appear concerning, they mirror a much broader trend: global wine consumption has fallen to its lowest level since 1961.. The message is clear. Wine is no longer competing only against other wines—it is competing for consumers' time, disposable income and changing lifestyles.
The World Is Drinking Differently
For decades, wine benefited from rising affluence and expanding global markets. Today, the dynamics have changed. Consumers are moderating alcohol consumption, younger drinkers are experimenting across categories rather than remaining loyal to wine, and inflation has forced many households to rethink discretionary spending. Premium beer, craft spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails, agave spirits and alcohol-free alternatives are all competing for the same occasion.
This isn't simply a cyclical downturn. It reflects a broader evolution in drinking habits.
Australia's Largest Markets Are Under Pressure
The decline was driven primarily by Australia's three largest export destinations.
Mainland China, Australia's largest market by value, recorded exports of A$756 million, down 15% as the post-tariff recovery phase gave way to more measured, demand-led purchasing.
The United Kingdom, Australia's largest market by volume, remained resilient at the premium end but still saw volumes decline to their lowest level in 25 years. Commercial and mid-priced wines experienced the greatest pressure.
The United States presented an even more challenging picture. Export value fell 27%, with weakness evident across almost every price segment. Australian producers now face not only declining wine consumption but also intense competition from domestic wineries, imported wines and alternative alcoholic beverages.
There Are Bright Spots, Not every market disappointed.
Canada emerged as Australia's standout performer, with export value increasing 20% to A$188 million and volume rising 13%. Much of this growth was attributed to temporary market-share gains during the Canada–US trade dispute, although Wine Australia expects that momentum to stabilise. Singapore also recorded healthy growth, reinforcing the importance of premium Asian markets for Australian producers.
What About India?
India remains a relatively small destination for Australian wine, accounting for just 0.4% of Australia's total wine export value.
For the year ended June 2026:

• Export volume declined 14.1% to 1.7 million litres.
• Export value, however, increased slightly by 0.5% to A$9.5 million.
• More significantly, the average export value per litre rose 17.1% to A$5.49.

These figures suggest an important trend. Although fewer litres were shipped to India, exporters earned more per litre, indicating a gradual shift towards premium wines rather than high-volume, value-driven sales. That aligns with developments in India's hospitality sector, where premium restaurants, luxury hotels and specialist wine retailers continue to drive demand for higher-quality imported wines. The Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which progressively reduces import duties on eligible Australian wines, could further strengthen this premiumisation trend over the coming years.
Premiumisation May Be the Industry's Future
One consistent theme across the report is the resilience of premium wines. While entry-level and commercial wines continue to face declining demand in many mature markets, consumers who continue to purchase wine appear increasingly willing to spend more for quality, provenance and authenticity. For producers, this means success may no longer depend on selling more bottles, but on creating greater value from every bottle sold.
The Happy High's Take
The latest export figures are not merely a reflection of Australia’s wine sector—they serve as a bellwether for the entire global wine trade. Consumers are unequivocally drinking less, but expecting more. They demand authenticity, sustainability, clear culinary pairings, and engaging narrative. For India, the data offers a strong sense of direction: while India will not replace high-volume markets overnight, its appetite for higher-value, premium wines is maturing rapidly. As wine education deepens, sommelier programs expand, and ECTA tariff reductions continue to phase in, India is positioning itself as one of the world's most promising premium wine frontiers.

Bengaluru, India – Amrut Distilleries proudly unveils CaféX, a bold new Indian Single Malt
that brings together world-class whisky making and exceptional coffee cultivation. Matured in casks seasoned with the finest coffee beans from the historic Harley Estate, which was established in 1864 in Sakaleshpur, CaféX is a tribute to the rich heritage of the Western Ghats and Amrut's relentless spirit of innovation. For centuries, whisky maturation has revolved around oak, wine, sherry, port and spirit casks. CaféX dares to ask a different question: what if one of the world's finest coffee-growing regions
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Inspired by the pristine landscapes of the Western Ghats, CaféX is presented in a striking white
and emerald-green pack that reflects the purity of its origins and the boldness of its innovation.
Limited to just 2,400 bottles worldwide, CaféX is yet another milestone in Amrut's journey of
redefining Indian single malt and reinforcing its position as one of the world's most innovative whisky makers.
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Mr Purnesh, owner of Harley Estate said "At Harley Estate, we explore how time, wood,
and provenance shape flavor. Partnering with Amrut gave us access to their award-winning
whisky barrels — casks of incredible depth that don’t just impart oak and spice, but layers of
vanilla, fruit, and that signature Amrut warmth. Ageing our estate-grown specialty coffee in them
bridges two worlds of Indian craft, creating a bold, complex cup unlike anything we’ve processed before — the soul of Indian whisky meets Harley Estate specialty coffee, to give us
our most coveted whisky barrel-aged coffee."

Speaking on the rarity and exclusivity of the release Mr Ashok Chokalingam, COO and Master
Distiller comments “This is a landmark bottling. To encounter a distinct jalapeño and capsicum
profile within a single malt is an extreme rarity. The ability of the spirit to integrate these savory,
vegetal notes with the richness of mocha and vanilla cream—all while maintaining such
poise—marks this as an expression, destined for the most discerning collections.”

Established in 1969, the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), often regarded as the "Oscars of the wine and spirits industry," witnessed a landmark performance for Indian whisky at its 2026 competition in the UK. South Seas Distilleries, with a century old distilling legacy saw its brand Crazy Cock Indian Single Malt Madhuca III emerge as the only Indian malt to be awarded a coveted Gold Medal, making it the highest-awarded Indian whisky in its category this year.
Further underscoring the distillery's dominance, the Crazy Cock portfolio secured the top three positions among Indian single malts at the IWSC 2026. In total, the brand won five of the ten medals awarded to Indian single malts, accounting for half of all Indian honours in the category and reaffirming South Seas Distilleries' growing reputation for quality and consistency.
The competition's judging panels comprised some of the world's most respected spirits authorities, including Dawn Davies MW, Richard Paterson OBE, Ian Burrell, Joel Harrison, Olivier Ward, David T. Smith, Deano Moncrieffe and Marie Cheong-Thon. Their collective expertise spans whisky production, blending, spirits education, criticism and international judging, making recognition at the IWSC particularly significant.
The 2026 IWSC results reflect the remarkable rise of Indian whiskies on the global stage. No longer viewed as emerging challengers, Indian distilleries are increasingly setting new benchmarks for craftsmanship, innovation and quality, earning the respect of international judges and whisky enthusiasts alike. South Seas Distilleries' performance this year is another indication that India has firmly established itself among the world's leading whisky-producing nations.