Pernod Ricard, the French liquor giant behind Absolut Vodka and Chivas Regal, suffered another setback in India on Friday after the Delhi High Court rejected its plea to resume sales in the national capital. The ruling prolongs a ban that has kept some of the company’s most recognisable brands off Delhi shelves since 2023 and intensifies pressure on a business already facing multiple investigations and a $314 million tax dispute.&nbsp;&nbsp;The case has become one of the most closely watched corporate battles in India’s liquor industry, not least because Delhi once accounted for nearly five per cent of Pernod Ricard’s nationwide sales. India, meanwhile, remains the company’s largest market globally by volume, according to Reuters.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-appointees-push-proposal-for-250-us-bill-featuring-his-portrait-report-says-1779971661787">Trump on US dollar bill? Appointees push $250 banknote proposal ahead of 250th anniversary, report says</a><h2>Court Rejects Plea Amid Liquor Policy Investigation</h2>The dispute stems from the now-scrapped 2021 Delhi liquor policy, which has triggered a wide-ranging investigation by federal agencies. Authorities allege that Pernod Ricard colluded with retailers to increase market share in the capital, accusations the company has consistently denied. Delhi authorities have repeatedly refused to renew the company’s licence on the grounds that it is an accused party in the ongoing probe. Pernod Ricard argued before the court that it had not been convicted of any wrongdoing and therefore should not be barred from operating.&nbsp;However, the Delhi High Court sided with city authorities, with the judge observing that the company was “ineligible” for a licence because of the continuing investigation. The ruling effectively keeps Pernod Ricard out of one of India’s most important liquor markets for a third consecutive year. In earlier submissions cited by Reuters, the company argued that repeated denials had left its business “hopelessly fettered” in New Delhi.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-to-move-under-france-s-nuclear-umbrella-5-reasons-europe-s-defence-calculus-is-shifting-1779965498271">Norway to move under France’s nuclear umbrella: 5 reasons Europe’s defence calculus is shifting</a><h2>Tax Dispute Adds to Pressure</h2>The legal setback comes days after Reuters reported that Indian investigators had accused Pernod Ricard of understating the value of Scotch whisky imports to reduce tariff payments. Authorities allege the company concealed details relating to the age and composition of imported whisky, claims that have led to a demand for $314 million in back taxes.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to a government filing dated January 24 and cited by Reuters on March 27, investigators alleged that Pernod Ricard did not declare “the true description of their imported malts (i.e. its exact composition and age) with the intention to hide the actual value of the imported goods and to avoid comparison”.&nbsp;Pernod Ricard has not publicly commented on Friday’s court ruling. Formed in 1975 through the merger of French spirits makers Pernod and Ricard, the group today controls a vast premium portfolio spanning Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Jameson, Ballantine’s, Absolut Vodka and Beefeater gin. In India, it also owns popular Seagram’s whisky labels including Royal Stag and Blenders Pride. For now, however, Delhi consumers hoping to buy Absolut Vodka or Chivas Regal legally in the capital will have to wait longer.

Authorities allege the company concealed details relating to the age and composition of imported whisky, claims that have led to a demand for $314 million in back taxes.

Pernod Ricard, the French liquor giant behind Absolut Vodka and Chivas Regal, suffered another setback in India on Friday after the Delhi High Court rejected its plea to resume sales in the national capital. The ruling prolongs a ban that has kept some of the company’s most recognisable brands off Delhi shelves since 2023 and intensifies pressure on a business already facing multiple investigations and a $314 million tax dispute. The case has become one of the most closely watched corporate battles in India’s liquor industry, not least because Delhi once accounted for nearly five per cent of Pernod Ricard’s nationwide sales. India, meanwhile, remains the company’s largest market globally by volume, according to Reuters. ALSO READ: Trump on US dollar bill? Appointees push $250 banknote proposal ahead of 250th anniversary, report says Court Rejects Plea Amid Liquor Policy Investigation The dispute stems from the now-scrapped 2021 Delhi liquor policy, which has triggered a wide-ranging investigation by federal agencies. Authorities allege that Pernod Ricard colluded with retailers to increase market share in the capital, accusations the company has consistently denied. Delhi authorities have repeatedly refused to renew the company’s licence on the grounds that it is an accused party in the ongoing probe. Pernod Ricard argued before the court that it had not been convicted of any wrongdoing and therefore should not be barred from operating. However, the Delhi High Court sided with city authorities, with the judge observing that the company was “ineligible” for a licence because of the continuing investigation. The ruling effectively keeps Pernod Ricard out of one of India’s most important liquor markets for a third consecutive year. In earlier submissions cited by Reuters, the company argued that repeated denials had left its business “hopelessly fettered” in New Delhi. ALSO READ: Norway to move under France’s nuclear umbrella: 5 reasons Europe’s defence calculus is shifting Tax Dispute Adds to Pressure The legal setback comes days after Reuters reported that Indian investigators had accused Pernod Ricard of understating the value of Scotch whisky imports to reduce tariff payments. Authorities allege the company concealed details relating to the age and composition of imported whisky, claims that have led to a demand for $314 million in back taxes. According to a government filing dated January 24 and cited by Reuters on March 27, investigators alleged that Pernod Ricard did not declare “the true description of their imported malts (i.e. its exact composition and age) with the intention to hide the actual value of the imported goods and to avoid comparison”. Pernod Ricard has not publicly commented on Friday’s court ruling. Formed in 1975 through the merger of French spirits makers Pernod and Ricard, the group today controls a vast premium portfolio spanning Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Jameson, Ballantine’s, Absolut Vodka and Beefeater gin. In India, it also owns popular Seagram’s whisky labels including Royal Stag and Blenders Pride. For now, however, Delhi consumers hoping to buy Absolut Vodka or Chivas Regal legally in the capital will have to wait longer.

Authorities allege the company concealed details relating to the age and composition of imported whisky, claims that have led to a demand for $314 million in back taxes.

‘$314 million tax hit, Delhi ban’: HC denies relief to Absolut Vodka maker, calls firm ‘ineligible’ for liquor licence

Indri, a two-year-old Indian single malt whisky recently crowned as the world's best, is transforming the nation's consumer market, ushering in a new era of 'desi' brand dominance. As India emerges not just as a consumer but a formidable maker of whisky, global giants like Glenlivet and Talisker are facing stiff competition from local powerhouses Indri, Amrut, and Radico Khaitan's Rampur.

The surge in popularity of Indian single malts is reshaping the $33 billion spirits market, leaving foreign brands once cherished by the nation teary-eyed.

Indri, the torchbearer of this revolution, clinched the "Best in Show" title at the Whiskies of the World Awards in San Francisco, beating its Scottish and US counterparts. The $421 Diwali Collector's Edition has become a symbol of Indian excellence.

Emerging victorious in a fierce competition featuring over 100 brands at one of the world's largest whisky tasting events, this brand, introduced in 2021 by Piccadilly Distilleries of Haryana, has clinched numerous accolades, amassing approximately 14 global awards within its first two years.

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The shift is evident as India, traditionally a whisky-loving nation, witnesses established global brands fighting for shelf space alongside their Indian counterparts. The surge can be attributed to global accolades, increased affluence, and a surge in adventurous drinkers exploring new brands during the COVID-19 lockdown.

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In response to the growing trend, global brands are recalibrating their strategies, turning to Indian whiskies to capitalise on the booming market.

Pernod, a major player, recently unveiled its first made-in-India single malt, Longitude 77, priced at $48. The company plans to expand sales to Dubai and beyond, reflecting its optimism about the burgeoning category.

Diageo, Pernod's larger rival, is not far behind.

Last year, it launched its first Indian single malt, Godawan, and is selling it in five foreign markets, including the United States. Vikram Damodaran, Diageo's India chief innovation officer, notes the shift from whisky in India to Indian whisky, both domestically and globally.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/christmas-nativity-scene-craft-kept-alive-in-naples-670496">Christmas nativity scene craft kept alive in Naples</a>

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The numbers also affirm this transformation.

Indian single malts experienced a staggering 144 per cent growth in 2021-22, outpacing Scotch whisky's 32 per cent&nbsp;growth, as per IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

Projections until 2027 indicate that Indian malt consumption is set to grow at a rate of 13 per cent&nbsp;per year, compared to Scotch at 8 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indri, a two-year-old Indian single malt whisky recently crowned as the world's best, is transforming the nation's consumer market, ushering in a new era of 'desi' brand dominance.

Indri, a two-year-old Indian single malt whisky recently crowned as the world's best, is transforming the nation's consumer market, ushering in a new era of 'desi' brand dominance. As India emerges not just as a consumer but a formidable maker of whisky, global giants like Glenlivet and Talisker are facing stiff competition from local powerhouses Indri, Amrut, and Radico Khaitan's Rampur. The surge in popularity of Indian single malts is reshaping the $33 billion spirits market, leaving foreign brands once cherished by the nation teary-eyed. Indri, the torchbearer of this revolution, clinched the "Best in Show" title at the Whiskies of the World Awards in San Francisco, beating its Scottish and US counterparts. The $421 Diwali Collector's Edition has become a symbol of Indian excellence. Emerging victorious in a fierce competition featuring over 100 brands at one of the world's largest whisky tasting events, this brand, introduced in 2021 by Piccadilly Distilleries of Haryana, has clinched numerous accolades, amassing approximately 14 global awards within its first two years. Also Read | Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos commits $42 million to Danny Hillis' visionary 10,000-year clock The shift is evident as India, traditionally a whisky-loving nation, witnesses established global brands fighting for shelf space alongside their Indian counterparts. The surge can be attributed to global accolades, increased affluence, and a surge in adventurous drinkers exploring new brands during the COVID-19 lockdown. Also Read | Scientists try to get molecules from extinct humans to discover new antibiotics In response to the growing trend, global brands are recalibrating their strategies, turning to Indian whiskies to capitalise on the booming market. Pernod, a major player, recently unveiled its first made-in-India single malt, Longitude 77, priced at $48. The company plans to expand sales to Dubai and beyond, reflecting its optimism about the burgeoning category. Diageo, Pernod's larger rival, is not far behind. Last year, it launched its first Indian single malt, Godawan, and is selling it in five foreign markets, including the United States. Vikram Damodaran, Diageo's India chief innovation officer, notes the shift from whisky in India to Indian whisky, both domestically and globally. Watch | Christmas nativity scene craft kept alive in Naples × The numbers also affirm this transformation. Indian single malts experienced a staggering 144 per cent growth in 2021-22, outpacing Scotch whisky's 32 per cent growth, as per IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. Projections until 2027 indicate that Indian malt consumption is set to grow at a rate of 13 per cent per year, compared to Scotch at 8 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Love for Indian single malt whisky grows, giants like Pernod and Diageo feel the heat

LVMH, owner of Moet &amp; Chandon champagne and Hennessy cognac, does not want to destabilise Pernod Ricard and has nothing to do with activist investor Elliott buying a stake in the French spirits group, its Chairman and CEO said on Tuesday.

LVMH billionaire boss Bernard Arnault, who described relations with Pernod Ricard CEO Alexandre Ricard as "friendly, made the comments at a news conference on the luxury group's annual results.

There has been media speculation that Pernod' rivals like LVMH or Diageo could have their eyes on some of the brands of Pernod Ricard which is facing pressure from Elliott to bolster its profit margins.

US activist fund Elliott said in December it had spent around 930 million euros ($1.1 billion) to build a stake of just over 2.5 per cent in the world's second-biggest spirits maker.

Elliott has called on Pernod Ricard to raise profit margins to bring them more in line with larger rival Diageo and improve governance.

LVMH, owner of Moet & Chandon champagne and Hennessy cognac, does not want to destabilise Pernod Ricard and has nothing to do with activist investor Elliott buying a stake in the French spirits group, its Chairman and CEO said on Tuesday.

LVMH, owner of Moet & Chandon champagne and Hennessy cognac, does not want to destabilise Pernod Ricard and has nothing to do with activist investor Elliott buying a stake in the French spirits group, its Chairman and CEO said on Tuesday. LVMH billionaire boss Bernard Arnault, who described relations with Pernod Ricard CEO Alexandre Ricard as "friendly, made the comments at a news conference on the luxury group's annual results. There has been media speculation that Pernod' rivals like LVMH or Diageo could have their eyes on some of the brands of Pernod Ricard which is facing pressure from Elliott to bolster its profit margins. US activist fund Elliott said in December it had spent around 930 million euros ($1.1 billion) to build a stake of just over 2.5 per cent in the world's second-biggest spirits maker. Elliott has called on Pernod Ricard to raise profit margins to bring them more in line with larger rival Diageo and improve governance.

LVMH boss Bernard Arnault says has no hand in activist Elliott targeting rival Pernod Ricard

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‘$314 million tax hit, Delhi ban’: HC denies relief to Absolut Vodka maker, calls firm ‘ineligible’ for liquor licence

Love for Indian single malt whisky grows, giants like Pernod and Diageo feel the heat

LVMH boss Bernard Arnault says has no hand in activist Elliott targeting rival Pernod Ricard