Hyderabad, August 24: Telangana has approved 121 new liquor brands from 18 companies, paving the way for more international and premium alcohol options in the state.
The Excise Department has cleared the brands as part of efforts to expand the range available to consumers. The approved portfolio includes foreign beers, wines and premium liquor brands.
The newly approved brands include products from international companies as well as Indian manufacturers. Single Malt Whisky, Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder and Tiger Lager feature among the brands mentioned in the approval.
The list also includes Korean and German beer brands. In addition, several domestic premium brands have received approval for sale in Telangana.
The approval does not mean that every brand will immediately appear at every liquor outlet. Companies must complete the required procedures before their products enter the market.
The Telangana Beverages Corporation Limited has already issued a public notice regarding the newly approved brands. It has invited objections and asked stakeholders to submit them by September 1.
Telangana Liquor Market May Also See Price Hike
The expansion of brands comes as the Telangana government considers another major change in the liquor market. The state has already formed a committee to examine a possible increase in liquor prices.
The committee reportedly held discussions with liquor manufacturers. It also examined their demands and production cost concerns before submitting a report to the government.
Liquor manufacturers have argued that production costs have increased. They have also cited higher costs linked to international tensions and changes in the global market.
The government is now examining the committee’s recommendations. However, it has not yet announced the extent or timing of any proposed price increase.
The issue could create a mixed impact for consumers. On one hand, the approval of 121 new brands will increase product choice. On the other hand, a price revision could make liquor more expensive.
The Congress government has already increased liquor prices once since taking office. Therefore, the government is also considering the possible public response before taking another decision, according to the report.
The latest approvals indicate a wider range of domestic and international products could enter Telangana’s regulated liquor market. However, consumers will have to wait for the brands to complete the required regulatory and market procedures.
The Excise Department’s public notice and the September 1 objection deadline will be important next steps. After the regulatory process, the approved brands could gradually become available through authorised channels.
For consumers, the immediate development is the expansion of choice. The potential price revision, however, could become the more significant issue in the coming weeks.
The government’s final decision on liquor prices will determine whether the new brand approvals bring greater choice without a corresponding increase in the cost of existing products.
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