Rojia Tiwari is working in editorial team with Ambrosia magazine, A monthly publication for the alcobev industry, Ambrosia focuses on various issues concerning wine, beer and spirit trade in India as well as abroad. The magazine also features exclusive interviews, special stories and latest product launches. She shares her view on current Indian winery market condition with indianwine.com

Since last few years, the Indian wine industry has grown leaps and bounce. The increasing consumer demand has helped the industry develop. With new technological innovations and international expertise, many wineries are trying to produce good quality wines as well. However, there is still a long way to go. We need Sommelier schools, technical know-how and a favourable government policy to support growth of the Indian wine industry.

Market Scenorio: The size of the Indian wine market is of 1.5 million cases. Though the per capita consumption is 9 ml, the industry is growing at 25 to 30 per cent and the future seems bright at present.

As we know that the Indian wine market is still at a nascent stage, it is very important to retain the demand. There is a double digit growth but sustaining that growth has become the biggest challenge at present. The recent economic turmoil has taken a toll on India’s oldest wine company Chateau Indage. And many other domestic wineries are suffering huge sells loss due to an increase in VAT. Few wine producers have also decided not to buy grapes for the next two years. As a result of which, the farmers in Nashik cultivating grapes for wineries have asked Maharashtra govt. to relax rules and make wine-making a cottage industry. In a welcoming move, the Karnataka govt. is considering giving wine as a non-alcoholic product status which will allow wines to be sold in any grocery with any other food and beverage items.

Future growth: It is difficult to predict anything at present. The industry is still fighting to bring in some changes and regularly updating itself. Few companies are constantly upgrading themselves and introducing latest technologies. Though the consumers are desperately looking for variety and good quality, the sky rocketing price of the imported wines and poor quality of many Indian wines have left them in doldrums. Unless quality is improved, there is not much scope for the Indian wine industry. 

Favourite wines: Very few Indian wines have taken interest in producing quality wines. However, wines of Indus, Reveilo, Chateau d’Ori and Nine Hills have great potential and they are my personal preferences.

Venki