Make it a double: Consumption of imported booze soars in Gurugram

Consumption of foreign spirits doubled in Gurugram over the last year, according to excise department data — a trend experts ascribed to changing lifestyles and increasing incomes.

The consumption of imported beer and foreign spirits doubled in Gurugram over the last year, according to data from the excise department accessed by HT — a trend experts ascribed to changing lifestyles, increasing disposable incomes and overseas exposure of residents.

While 2,47,296 cases of imported beer were sold in Gurugram in 2016-17, it jumped to 5,37,664 cases in 2017-18, an increase of 117%. (HT/Photo for representation)

While 2,47,296 cases of imported beer were sold in the city in the 2016-17 financial year, this jumped to 5,37,664 cases in 2017-18, an increase of 117%.

The sale of foreign sprits over the same period grew by 133% from 158,696 cases to 369,545 cases.

There was also an increase in consumption of domestic beer and Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) over this period, but it was 36% and 17%, respectively.

To be sure, the base for both these categories was already very high with more than 35 million cases of domestic beer and 26 million cases of IMFL sold in 2016-17.

This sharp increase in the sale of imported alcohol bears out on the ground as well, with pubs and bars making more international beer brands available to consumers.