Drone carrying frozen chicken crashes in Gurugram society, sparks investigation

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February 17, 2024

A drone delivering frozen chicken crashed into a residential society in Gurugram on Thursday, according to police reports. They also mentioned that an FIR was registered against the company operating the drone for breaching CrPC Section 144, which was enforced in the city.

The drone was being operated by Skye Air when it crashed into G Block of South City 2 society in Gurugram’s Sector 50. According to police reports, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was visiting the city at the time, and there was an active order under Section 144 of the CrPC regarding unmanned aerial devices.

Drones are allowed to transport items weighing less than 5 kg, and the payload of this specific drone was within that limit. According to the complainant quoted by the Indian Express, the drone crashed into the building and descended.

The police have requested the necessary permissions and documents required for the operation of the drone during the implementation of the order. Currently, an investigation is in progress.

The drone was on its way to deliver food from Vipul Trade Centre to Fresco Apartments when it crashed just 50 meters away from its intended destination.

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A representative from Skye Air stated that the company has obtained all requisite approvals and permissions for conducting drone operations along the designated route.

“As per our findings, we had to do an emergency landing due to a sudden object coming in the path. No loss of lives or any major damage has been reported. Skye Air has all the required permissions from local authorities too. The company has been testing this system with zero incidents and has completed thousands of flights. We ensure maximum safety with parachutes and ADSB on board,” a Skye Air official as quoted in several media reports.

This comes at a time when drone startups are thriving, following the Center’s relaxation of policies governing drone operations in India through the Drones Rules 2021.

A series of positive measures have been introduced for the sector. For instance, the Cabinet’s approval of a INR 120 crore PLI scheme, a ban on drone imports to promote domestic manufacturing, and the implementation of a drone certification scheme to uphold safety and quality requirements are among the notable steps taken.

Furthermore, the introduction of digital airspace mapping for drones, along with initiatives like Drone Shakti and Kisan drones, has been lauded as a positive step by experts.

As technology advances and regulations evolve, the future of drone delivery in India is becoming increasingly promising. With improved capabilities and a conducive regulatory framework, there is anticipation for a significant expansion of drone delivery services in the near future, reshaping logistics across the country.

Continue Exploring: Top 10 Places in Delhi to Try Chicken Tikka

Indian delights Achappam and Gulab Jamun named among top 50 doughnuts globally

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February 17, 2024

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When it comes to culinary indulgence, few things rival the sheer delight of sinking your teeth into a perfectly fried treat, especially in the realm of desserts. Recently, Taste Atlas, a globally recognized food rating platform, embarked on a quest to unearth the top 50 doughnuts from around the world, showcasing the diverse array of flavors and textures celebrated across cultures. Among these delectable discoveries were two beloved Indian delicacies, Gulab Jamun and Achappam, reaffirming the universal love for deep-fried delights in the sweetest way possible.

Continue Exploring: Indian cuisine ranked 11th best in the world by TasteAtlas

The top 5 spots on the list are occupied by Bombolini, Bola De Berlim, Giraffe Napoletane, Kkwabeaegi, and Krapfen, forming a truly international selection of deep-fried delights. Among Indian entries, Achappam claimed the 39th spot, while Gulab Jaman secured 44th place. Meanwhile, in a separate ranking by Taste Atlas focusing on the Top Deep-Fried Desserts, Gulab Jamun ranked 8th and Achappam followed at 92nd.

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Gulab jamun, a delightful sweet, originates from the Persian terms ‘gol’ and ‘ab,’ translating to flower and water, with rose water being the essence used in this confection. Dough balls are fried until golden brown, then immersed in sugar syrup, making it a beloved mithai across India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Maldives (known as gulab ki janu), Bangladesh, and even Myanmar.

On the flip side, Achappam resembles more of a cookie than a traditional doughnut, yet as a deep-fried dessert, it’s a highly coveted treat for many. Commonly referred to as rose cookies, they originate from Kerala and are believed to have been introduced to India by the Dutch. Variations of the rose cookie can be discovered throughout India and beyond, with Andhra Pradesh offering its own eggless version known as Gulabi Puvvulu or the Persian ‘Nan Panjereh’.

Doughnuts and various other deep-fried desserts hold a unique significance across many culinary traditions. This collective exploration of the worldwide array of doughnuts and their diverse interpretations provides valuable insights into the indispensable role these sugary delights play in the gastronomy of each nation.

Continue Exploring: Indian classic ‘Rajma Chawal’ earns global acclaim, ranks high on Taste Atlas’ Finest Bean Dishes List

Tamil Nadu bans cotton candy sales after cancer-causing element detected by food lab

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February 17, 2024

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Tamil Nadu has prohibited the sale of cotton candy due to the alarming presence of a cancer-causing substance. State Health Minister Ma Subramanian announced the ban on Saturday following a food lab analysis.

The Food Analysis Laboratory had found Rhodamine-B in cotton candy and various other coloured sweets, terming them unsafe and substandard for consumption.

Describing it as a punishable offense, Mr. Subramanian announced that any participation in the production, sale, distribution, or packaging of products containing Rhodamine B would lead to strict repercussions.

Continue Exploring: India’s confectionery market sweetens up as dark chocolate takes the lead in rapid growth

Directives have also been issued to food safety authorities to carry out comprehensive inspections and impose strict measures against those who violate the regulations.

The neighbouring Union territory of Puducherry has already enforced a prohibition on cotton candy.

The ban is bound to affect the livelihood of hundreds of cotton candy vendors and manufacturers across the state.

Continue Exploring: Confectionery market witnesses resilient growth: Candies, toffees and chewing gum bars defy stagnant trends

E-commerce firms boost efforts for gender diversity in supply chain roles

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February 17, 2024

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E-commerce firms are actively working to address the gender imbalance in supply chain roles, which have historically been dominated by men.

In a bid to overcome the challenges in hiring women for supply chain roles, companies like Flipkart, Amazon, Meesho, and Jumbotail are implementing various initiatives. These include providing creche facilities, offering period leave, sourcing with gender balance in mind, establishing women-only delivery and customer service stations, and forming partnerships with women’s campuses to attract female talent.

In the past two years, Flipkart has boosted female representation in its supply chain by 64%, while Meesho aims to elevate it to 33% by March next year, up from the current 21%.

“At Flipkart, we believe in the power of diversity as a catalyst for success,” said Prajakta Kanaglekar, vice-president of supply chain and customer experience teams.

In addition to extensive hiring efforts and women-led hubs, Flipkart has embraced localized hiring tactics, transportation provisions, and the establishment of creche facilities at approximately 28 sites. These measures aim to tackle the obstacles associated with recruiting female employees in remote regions.

Its training programs, such as Vidhyarthini (focused on raising awareness about supply chain roles for female B-School students), Disha (a train-and-hire model for MBA students), Neev (a train-and-hire model for engineering students), and the Supply Chain Certification Programme (SCCP), are tailored to equip female candidates with the necessary skills for a range of positions, spanning from internships to management trainees and roles within supply chain management.

Continue Exploring: Amazon retains top spot as MSMEs’ preferred platform, reveals ISF Report

Within the B2B food and grocery sector, Jumbotail is leveraging its formal program, Project Shakti, to increase female representation in supply chain operations. The goal is to achieve a 50% female presence in operational roles at supply chain fulfillment centers within the next 12-18 months.

Project Shakti aims to recruit, train, and promote women to key positions in order processing and inventory management, specifically focusing on grocery, staples, and FMCG products.

“Our strategy was developed from the insight that women’s natural qualities of discipline, diligence and intuition, critical for enhancing operational efficiency and innovation in the supply chain, when combined with their innate understanding of grocery products, can result in substantial benefits to customers while making a meaningful impact in the women workforce,” said Kamlesh Kumar, vice-president, supply chain, Jumbotail.

Meesho’s strategy includes gender-focused sourcing, collaborations with women’s campuses and educational institutions, along with internship opportunities for individuals seeking practical experience in the field.

“Despite progress, we acknowledge the unique challenges faced by women in such industries, including a lack of mentorship,” said Ashish Kumar Singh, Meesho’s chief HR officer. To address these, the company has initiatives to support the professional growth of its female employees.

Liju Thomas, Director of HR for Amazon India’s operations, stated that the company has introduced several initiatives to enhance opportunities for women in the logistics sector, while reinforcing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Recruitment agencies report a significant increase in such directives.

According to Aditya Narayan Mishra, the Chief Executive of CIEL HR, there has been a 40% increase in demand for female talent. This surge is driven by a growing emphasis on gender diversity and inclusivity within India’s e-commerce sector.

“Ecommerce players like BigBasket, Flipkart, Amazon and Ecom Express are actively looking to hire women. Most ecommerce companies are hiring for roles such as pickers/packers, scanning executives, supervisors, analysts, last-mile delivery personnel, mid-mile delivery personnel, riders and customer service executives within the supply chain,” he added.

According to Senior Director Alok Kumar, Manpower has experienced at least a twofold increase in demand for diversity hiring compared to the previous quarter. He attributes this rise to lower attrition rates and higher productivity among women in comparison to their male counterparts.

Continue Exploring: Ecommerce to be the driving force for Indian MSMEs, says ministry of MSME

India’s fresh fruit exports surge by 29%, market presence expands to 111 countries

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February 17, 2024

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Fresh fruits have emerged as a standout performer in India’s agri export basket, with a robust growth of 29 percent in the nine-month period from April to December 2023, according to the latest data compiled by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

During this period, the market reach of India’s fresh fruits has expanded to 111 countries, compared to 102 destinations in the previous year, as the commodity takes the lead in the category of exports valued at over $100 million.

From April to November 2023, several key commodities experienced significant growth compared to the previous year. For instance, bananas surged by 63 percent, while kesar and dasheri mango saw impressive increases of 120 percent and 140 percent, respectively. Lentils (dried and shelled) soared by 110 percent, and fresh eggs witnessed a remarkable growth of 160 percent.

Continue Exploring: Indian coffee exports set to soar by 10% in 2024, fueled by global price rally and European demand

During the period from April to December 2023, the export value of Basmati rice surged by 19 percent, reaching USD 3.97 billion, compared to USD 3.33 billion in the previous year.

At the same time, there was a notable 11 percent increase in the quantity of exports, rising from 31.98 lakh metric tons to 35.43 lakh metric tons within the same timeframe.

Basmati rice made its mark in the top markets, with Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UAE emerging as the leading destinations for these exports. This strong performance highlights the enduring popularity and global demand for Basmati rice, reaffirming its position as a significant agricultural product in India’s export portfolio.

Continue Exploring: From basmati to chicken: Indian products in high demand as the UAE seeks to expand imports

The export of processed vegetables surged by 24 percent during this period, followed by miscellaneous processed items. Additionally, fresh vegetables also saw substantial growth compared to the corresponding period last year.

In the period from April to December 2023, among the 23 Principal Commodities (PCs) in APEDA’s export basket, 18 exhibited positive growth. Notably, 13 out of the 15 large PCs, with exports exceeding USD 100 million in the previous year, experienced positive growth, with an average growth rate of 12 percent, as indicated by the figures.

During the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s agricultural exports reached USD 53.1 billion, with APEDA’s commodity basket contributing a significant 51 per cent to India’s agricultural exports.

Continue Exploring: Indigenous spirits shine: India’s liquor exports soar, set to break $1 Billion barrier

MEWA 2024 kicks off with Hon’ble Lok Sabha speaker’s inauguration, showcasing India’s potential in nut & dry fruits market

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February 17, 2024

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MEWA 2024, India’s first-of-its-kind two-day exposition, kicks off today with the inauguration of the trade show by Shri. Om Birla, Hon’ble Lok Sabha speaker. The inaugural day unfolds an array of vibrant showcases, spotlighting the richness and potential of India’s burgeoning nut & dry fruits market. The event commenced with a captivating Panel Discussion and Culinary Show, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the diverse flavors of India’s nut and dry fruit offerings.

During the opening of the trade show MEWA 2024, the esteemed Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri. Om Birla, addressed the exhibitors, praising the efforts of NDFCI and highlighting the significant role platforms like MEWA 2024 play in advancing the growth and stability of the sector. He stressed the critical importance of boosting nut and dry fruit production in India, given its role in providing employment to over 10 lakh individuals.

Continue Exploring: Dry fruit consumption in India soars by 25% in 2023, fueled by health-conscious trend post-pandemic

Recognizing the potential for export expansion, the Indian government is actively pursuing technological solutions in agriculture to enhance farmers’ productivity. The Speaker urged associations like NDFCI to engage more with farmer groups to explore cultivating nuts and dry fruits tailored to the diverse climatic conditions of various Indian states.

Addressing exhibitors at the inauguration of the trade show, Shri. Om Birla, Hon’ble Lok Sabha Speaker, praised the efforts of NDFCI and highlighted the significant role platforms like MEWA 2024 play in advancing the growth and development of the sector. He stressed the pressing need to boost nut and dry fruit production in India, citing the employment opportunities it offers to over 10 lakh individuals. Acknowledging the potential for export expansion, the Indian government is actively pursuing technology-driven agritech solutions to enhance farmers’ productivity. He urged associations like NDFCI to increase engagement with farmer groups to explore the cultivation of nuts and dry fruits tailored to the diverse climate conditions of various Indian states.

Exploring the core of industry knowledge, MEWA 2024 hosted power-packed knowledge sessions focusing on the key players in the market, including Pistachios, Almonds, Dates, Raisins, and Walnuts. Esteemed panels engaged in dynamic discussions, unraveling global market dynamics, consumer trends, and sustainable practices shaping the industry’s landscape.

Led by NDFCI, MEWA 2024 serves as a symbol of unity, striving to unite India’s fragmented Nut & Dry Fruit Trade under a unified voice. Boasting over 200 exhibitors, the trade show acted as a hub for industry stakeholders to join forces and seize upon India’s growing market prospects.

Continue Exploring: NDFCI unveils MEWA India 2024: India’s first B2B exhibition for nuts and dry fruits industry

Addressing the audience at the event, Mr. Gunjan Jain, President of NDFCI, emphasized the shifting consumer preferences and the increasing demand for exotic dry fruits among health-conscious Indians. MEWA 2024 offers a vital platform for industry stakeholders to capitalize on this burgeoning market segment.

The trade show’s inaugural day ended on a positive note, highlighted by a Gala Dinner that provided attendees with an ideal setting for networking and forming valuable connections. The evening was enhanced by an electrifying performance by the acclaimed artist Shalmali Kholgade.

As MEWA 2024 unfolds, it paves the way for two days filled with immersive experiences, collaborative knowledge sharing, and fostering industry camaraderie. It holds the promise of setting new benchmarks in India’s nut & dry fruits sector.

Hard Rock Cafe teams up with Lionel Messi to unveil exclusive Messi Kids Menu

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February 17, 2024

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Situated on the iconic Park Street, Hard Rock Cafe in Kolkata is thrilled to unveil the Messi Kids Menu, an extraordinary dining experience tailored for children aged 12 and below. Created in partnership with the esteemed soccer icon Lionel Messi, this special menu brings an enchanting flair to the dining journey for the budding rockstars in the vibrant City of Joy.

The Messi Kids Menu presents a delightful array of dishes, ranging from the Messi X Cheeseburger and Messi’s Golden Chicken Sandwich to beloved classics like the Bacon Cheeseburger and Hot Dog. Health-conscious alternatives such as Grilled Chicken Breast and Twisted ‘N Tasty Cavatappi Pasta are also on offer, accompanied by sides such as Fresh Fruit, Seasoned Fries, and decadent Milkshakes available in chocolate and vanilla flavors, served in charming mini glasses.

For those preferring a veggie-centric option, the Grilled Chicken House Salad combines fresh greens with diced chicken, Monterey Jack, and cheddar. The meal concludes on a sweet note with the irresistible Hot Fudge Sundae.

The menu itself undergoes a delightful transformation into an interactive activity sheet, also serving as a poster to take home. Children can enhance their experience by personalizing it with stickers, and for the inaugural occasion, a special Golden soccer ball is included with each meal, bringing a dash of enchantment to every dining moment.

The Messi Kids Menu, personally curated by global soccer icon Lionel Messi, embodies his dedication to crafting a vibrant and nutritious dining experience for children. Teaming up with Hard Rock Cafe, Messi not only contributes his culinary prowess but also infuses a playful essence, showcased through the addition of activity sheets, stickers, and the sought-after Golden Ball.

Marriott International and Oberoi Realty partner to elevate Mumbai’s hospitality landscape with flagship hotels

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February 17, 2024

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Marriott International has partnered with Oberoi Realty Ltd to bring the Marriott Hotels flagship brand and its JW Marriott portfolio to Mumbai. Scheduled to open between 2027 and 2028, the JW Marriott Hotel Thane Garden City and Mumbai Marriott Hotel Sky City will enhance the city’s hospitality scene.

Rajeev Menon, President Asia Pacific, excluding China, Marriott International, expressed excitement about Mumbai’s real estate development phase, stating, “This collaboration reinforces Mumbai as a strategically important market.”

During the signing ceremony for the mentioned hotels, Menon expressed that Marriott International achieved a turnover of INR 9,000 crore in FY24, marking a 32% rise in RevPAR. He additionally conveyed his strong optimism regarding the Indian market, citing the growth in tourism and infrastructure development across the country.

“I see tremendous potential in secondary and tertiary markets, in light of the growing income of Indians,” Menon added. About the mixed use properties in Mumbai, Menon said the existing partnerships with Oberoi Realty in Mumbai are a “success story of such models”.

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Located on the north-eastern outskirts of Mumbai, the JW Marriott Hotel Thane Garden City will boast 280 guestrooms featuring residential-inspired interiors. Complementing its offerings, the hotel will house three dining outlets, a lobby lounge, a pool bar, a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and the renowned Spa by JW. With 1,670 square meters of event space, the hotel aims to cater to small to medium-scale events. The JW Marriott Hotel Thane Garden City, slated for 2025, along with the Mumbai Marriott Hotel Sky City anticipated in 2026, will collectively contribute 560 rooms to the financial hub of India.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Marriott Hotel Sky City in Borivali will provide accommodation with 280 guestrooms. The establishment will feature three dining venues, comprising an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a patisserie, in addition to a bar lounge and the Greatroom lobby—a globally recognized brand signature. The hotel intends to incorporate amenities such as the M Club lounge, a fitness centre, Quan Spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and versatile event spaces.

Continue Exploring: India’s hospitality industry toasts to 2024 with high hopes and record-breaking revenue growth

Vikas Oberoi, Chairman & Managing Director of Oberoi Realty Ltd, highlighted that JW Marriott Hotel Thane Garden City will be integrated within the larger Oberoi Garden City development, whereas the Mumbai Marriott Hotel Sky City will form an integral part of Sky City in Borivali East.

He added, “We look forward to continuing our long-standing association with Marriott International.”

This strategic collaboration is in line with Marriott’s global vision, ensuring that both residents and visitors in Mumbai have access to top-tier brands and outstanding hospitality experiences.

Marriott International boasts a portfolio of nearly 8,800 properties spanning over 30 renowned brands across 139 countries and territories worldwide. In India, it manages 148 hotels under 17 distinct brands, with an additional 75 hotels in various stages of development.

Continue Exploring: India’s hospitality sector records 15.8% year-on-year RevPAR growth in Q4 2023: JLL Report

Artificial sweeteners struggle to catch up with sugary products despite industry push

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February 17, 2024

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Despite companies’ efforts, products containing artificial sweeteners still trail behind sugary foods and beverages in popularity. Consumer reluctance has been reinforced by a World Health Organization (WHO) report released last year, which stated that sweeteners like aspartame could be “potentially carcinogenic” and may elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, while offering no benefits for weight loss.

Continue Exploring: WHO’s latest guideline advises against using artificial sweeteners for weight management

Zydus Wellness, a producer of sugar-free sweeteners, reported a 3% year-on-year sales drop to INR 400.10 crore in the December 2023 quarter. According to a recent report by ICICI Securities, the company’s food and nutrition segment declined by 5% year-on-year, primarily due to persistent challenges in the artificial sweetener market and the influence of the WHO report on non-nutritive sweeteners.

Executives emphasized that safety apprehensions regarding artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, persist across various product categories.

Coca-Cola, the beverage manufacturer, observed that its no-sugar drink, Coke Zero, is experiencing faster growth compared to Diet Coke, despite having a smaller consumer base. Executives attributed this trend to Coke Zero’s “zero sugar” branding on its signature red bottles and cans, along with its identical taste to the original Coca-Cola. Additionally, the company’s advertising strategy prioritizes Coke and Coke Zero over Diet Coke, aligning with its global policy of not actively promoting Diet Coke.

Continue Exploring: India will set its own standards on sweeteners: FSSAI

“Diet Coke has its share of loyal consumers and remains a strong brand, but Coke Zero has overtaken it in terms of growth,” said one of the executives.

Various renowned actors, including Jhanvi Kapoor and Tiger Shroff, endorse both Coke and Coke Zero. However, in retail stores and on e-commerce platforms, all three variants of Coca-Cola receive equal promotion. In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for Coca-Cola stated via email that Diet Coke “is performing satisfactorily” in the India and South West Asia markets.

“We are committed to Diet Coke,” the spokesperson said.

Producers of low-sugar biscuits, chocolates, and ice-cream reported that sales of these products account for less than 2% of their total portfolio at a national level. Numerous launches of such products in India have either been deprioritized or discontinued.

“The sugar-free category for biscuits is less than 1% and hasn’t taken off, except for a few local niche brands,” said Mayank Shah, senior category head at biscuits maker Parle Products. “People consuming products like biscuits do so to satiate their sweet tooth and derive value out of it; we are not considering entering this space as of now at least,” he said.

As per the guidelines established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for the usage of artificial sweeteners, particularly the widely used aspartame, there is “limited evidence” of carcinogenicity in humans. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic,” thus setting an acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight accordingly.

Continue Exploring: FSSAI instructs states to take action against food business operators using artificial fruit ripening agents

Karnataka govt to revise liquor duty rates to bolster revenue and curb trade diversion

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February 17, 2024

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The Karnataka state government plans to adjust duty rates across the 18 slabs for Indian Made Liquor (IML) to safeguard its revenues and prevent trade diversion to neighboring states.

“In order to rationalise the tax slabs and make them competitive with neighbouring states, the tax slabs for IML and beer will be revised,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in his budget speech.

In last year’s budget, the CM raised the additional excise duty (AED) on IML by 20% across all 18 price slabs, sparking protests from the industry. The International Spirits and Wines Association of India expressed concerns that the tax hike could drive consumers to purchase products from neighboring states via informal supply channels, adversely affecting licensed retailers’ businesses.

Continue Exploring: Uttarakhand introduces new excise policy: Allows bottling of foreign liquor, targets INR 4,440 Crore revenue in FY 2024-25

The fears seem to have come true as the excise department has worked on a set of rates – increasing on brands in some slabs and lowering in others – to ensure people don’t buy from states with lower tax rates.

“After the rates are revised, the difference in prices between us and other states would be about INR 10 per bottle,” an official said.

The Excise department is also considering proposing adjustments to duties on beers, and some sections of distillers anticipate that certain beer brands may become more expensive as a result.

The excise department amassed revenues of INR 28,181 crore by the end of January 2023-24. For 2024-25, the government has set a target of INR 38,525 crore.

Continue Exploring: Haryana takes bold step as first state to prohibit plastic bottles for locally produced liquor

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