The Indian domestic wine market is to double in size in the next two years, according to research.

Current consumption of 5m litres is expected to grow 25% in the next two years, to reach 9m by 2010.

Reduced duties and eased restrictions on the distribution of wine to deter consumption of stronger alcoholic drinks, has helped the industry’s significant growth.

Assocham also cites a rise in disposable incomes, and western influence on lifestyle among younger drinkers, as contributing factors.

Wine consumption still lies some way behind other alcoholic beverages. 300m cases of beer and 90m of whisky and other spirits were sold in 2007-08.

France accounts for almost 50% of India’s wine imports, and Italy 30%.

Written by Hazel Macrae

Hazel Macrae
Hazel Macrae
Decanter.com, Food & Wine PR Consultant

Hazel Macrae is the UK and international PR manager for food and wine at Marks and Spencer. She joined the company as press officer for food and wine in 2009, working her way up to senior press officer and head of PR for food and wine. Formerly, she was a freelance PR consultant and writer. She wrote several articles for Decanter between 2008 and 2011.