Even after strict government controls on advertising and manufacturing capacities, rising incomes and a young population has helped the Indian alcoholic drink makers to end the year on a high.

India which was never considered as a serious contender for high consumption of alcoholic beverages has had sales growing by about 20% annually.
 
Years ago, Indian brands were poorly packaged and vinegarish to taste. Now, Indians are quaffing the local Sula Vineyards Brut and Champagne Indage Ltd's Ivy Brut, priced at least four times lower than foreign brands like Krug and Moet Chandon. More and more local spirit makers are also eyeing overseas buys.

Although India's beer consumption currently stands at about 0.7 litre per capita every year but is growing faster at over 8%. So it should not come as a big surprise if the growing Indian economic boom also includes a growing beer belly under its umbrella. Whatever might be the case but with high expected growth rates, the Spirits Industry is surely feeling a high.