Delhi Scotches Indian Whisky Makers' Plans

Delhi Scotches Indian Whisky Makers' Plans - India Real Time - WSJ:

"The high tariffs are partly a legacy of a Gandhian view of the world which promotes abstemious behavior. But as more Indians take to drink, the import restriction seem little more than protection of a booming local production industry governed by a few key players.

Foreign alcohol producers are salivating at the prospects of the Indian market. Rising income levels and a culture of drinking whisky among the upper classes – a hangover from colonial days – mean it is booming. Datamonitor, the consultancy, in a report last year estimated the market will be worth $39 billion in sales by 2014, up from $22 billion in 2009."