![\"Indian-UK](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Indian-UK-trade-agreement-whisky-640x404.png\")
India is currently the world\u2019s largest whisky market by volume<\/p>\nThe Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has impounded approximately 18,000 cases of Diageo whisky and vodka over safety concerns.<\/p>\n
India is currently the world\u2019s largest whisky market by volume<\/p>\n
FSSAI inspectors seized stocks of Diageo products, alleging that the packaging lacked markings indicating it was made of safe recycled plastic.<\/p>\n
The action focused on 180ml \u2018quarter\u2019 bottles of Smirnoff Zesty Lime Triple Distilled Flavoured Vodka, DSP Black Deluxe Whisky and VAT 69 Scotch whisky.<\/p>\n
Diageo\u2019s Indian subsidiary, United Spirits, told Reuters in a statement: \u201cOur products are completely safe for consumption. We are engaging with FSSAI for further direction on this matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
The company has declined a request for further comment on the matter.<\/p>\n
This intervention is the second such blow to United Spirits in as many weeks, following the FSSAI\u2019s decision to ban sales of several brands<\/a> owned by the spirits giant.<\/p>\n Brands including Royal Challenge Whisky and McDowell\u2019s No.1 Rum were withdrawn from sale after laboratory reports identified the possible use of unauthorised flavourings and \u2018misleading\u2019 age-related claims.<\/p>\n United Spirits has since challenged the ban, citing a lack of due process in the investigation.<\/p>\n In the three months ending 30 June 2026, the company reported a profit after tax of INR 391 crore (US$40.5 million), reflecting an increase of 51.6%<\/a> on the previous year.<\/p>\n McDowell\u2019s Whisky, which is owned by United Spirits, took the number two spot in The Indian Whisky Brand Champions<\/a> this year after selling 31.9m nine-litre cases in 2025.<\/p>\n United Spirits isn\u2019t the only drinks company experiencing difficulties in India.<\/p>\n Pernod Ricard is currently facing a bill for US$314m in back taxes<\/a> after the Indian government alleged the firm had misrepresented the age and composition of whiskies entering the country to reduce outgoings from import tariffs.<\/p>\n The government crackdown on spirits producers is unlikely to deter them from seeking to expand their footprint in one of the world\u2019s fastest-growing economies.\u00a0IWSR predicts India will continue to grow over the next decade<\/a>, with spirits, wine and beer expected to record CAGR growth of between 3% and 4%.<\/p>\n Related news<\/p>\n \n \n
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