India’s wine imports surged in the first half of 2025, marking one of the rare bright spots in a global wine market burdened by sluggish demand.
According to official data, imports rose sharply in both volume and value, reflecting growing interest in international wines among Indian consumers, particularly younger demographics.
Import Figures Point to Robust Growth
Between January and June 2025, India imported 2,585,127 litres of wine worth USD 12.55 million, according to figures released by India’s Ministry of Commerce and compiled by Vino-Joy News. This represents a 50.30% year-on-year growth in volume and a 20.91% rise in value.
The strongest performance came from bottled wine in containers of two litres or less, which accounts for the majority of India’s trade. Imports of this category jumped 61% in volume to 1.88 million litres, with value rising 27.44% to USD 7.21 million.
Sparkling wines showed a more nuanced trend: volumes expanded 57%, but value grew only 5.02%, suggesting higher inflows of affordable labels. Meanwhile, boxed wine (2–10 litres) saw explosive growth, with imports soaring 1,391% in volume and 1,224% in value — a sign of experimentation with formats in a price-sensitive market.
Australia Takes the Lead, France Holds Value
Among supplier countries, Australia emerged as India’s top partner, exporting over 1,005,262 litres and accounting for 38.89% of total volume. Its exports were valued at USD 3.37 million, representing 26.85% of overall value, but with a relatively low average price of USD 3.35 per litre. Australia’s success has been boosted by geographic proximity and its free-trade agreement with India.
France secured second place by value, thanks to its premium image and average price of USD 11.34 per litre. Singapore also stood out, with an astonishing USD 35.91 per litre average, largely due to re-exports of fine and rare wines.
Notably, seven of India’s top ten suppliers recorded growth, with Australia’s 182% volume surge and 113.12% value increase standing out against the backdrop of global declines. Bhutan surprisingly entered the top five as a re-export hub rather than a producer.
Rising Distribution and Consumer Trends
According to Rajeev Naresh, Project Director of ProWine Mumbai, India’s market is showing unmistakable momentum:
“We’re seeing many more imported SKUs listed with key distributors and modern retail, stronger hotel and restaurant wine lists, and much higher inbound interest from producers. Independent trackers also show India as a bright spot for beverage alcohol growth, with premiumisation and wider availability of imports as the main drivers.”
Discovery often begins in premium hotels, restaurants, and curated wine lists, particularly in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Bengaluru. For many consumers, their first experience with wine is “by the glass” in hospitality settings, before moving on to purchase bottles in retail.
Offline Still Dominates, Online Grows Slowly
Despite India’s digital boom, wine sales remain overwhelmingly offline. Licensed liquor shops, supermarkets, and specialist retailers account for the lion’s share of consumption. Reports from Euromonitor and IWSR confirm that the off-trade is still the largest distribution channel in the country.
Online retail faces regulatory fragmentation. Only a few states — including Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Odisha — allow limited home delivery through platforms like Swiggy and BigBasket. Other states are experimenting with pilots, but the absence of a national framework means alcohol e-commerce remains uncertain and inconsistent.
Who Is Drinking?
One of the most striking aspects of India’s wine growth is who is driving it. Unlike in Western markets, where younger generations are drinking less alcohol, India’s youth are embracing wine.
- Young professionals in major metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi NCR are trading up to premium imports and exploring international styles.
- Globally exposed professionals in technology, consulting, hospitality, and tourism are among the most adventurous consumers, with disposable incomes and curiosity for sparkling and high-end labels.
- Women are emerging as a fast-growing consumer base, contributing significantly to first-time purchases and the premiumisation trend.
Education, awareness, and availability are enhancing this momentum, with curated tastings and wine education playing a key role in expanding the consumer base.
A Market with Enormous Potential
India’s wine sector remains small compared to other global markets, but its growth trajectory is exceptional. With imports rising sharply, young consumers leading demand, and premium categories gaining traction, India is fast becoming an attractive market for global producers.
As Naresh puts it, “India is a bright spot in global wine today — young, dynamic, and eager to explore the world of wine.”
Source: Vino-Joy