FOREIGN WINEMAKERS BEING SHUT OUT OF INDIA?

As reported by The Economic Times, the Indian state government of Maharashtra has raised the special excise duty on imported wine from the existing Rs 100 per bulk liter to Rs 200 per bulk liter. This will definitely take a negative toll on imported wine which stands at 30,000 cases now as compared to 200,000 domestic cases a year. “The hike in levy is to protect the wine producers of the state. We know that bulk wines are imported at a low price and hence we raised the special excise duty on import of wine at par with the import of spirits,” says CS Sangitrao, excise commissioner in Maharashtra. However, although local winemakers argue that the state has the right to promote its own brands and help local farmers, foreign vintners disagree. David, GM, Mohan Brothers, said, “It’s the death knell for the importers of foreign wines. Also it closes the options for connoisseurs.”