The alcohol market in India might be a bastion of wines and beers, but the lesser known alcoholic beverage 'liqueur' is slowly carving a niche among consumers with its unique aroma and lower alcoholic content.
The word 'liqueur,' derived from the Latin word 'liquefacere' means 'to disolve or melt'. Often synonymous with cordials, liquers are available in different flavours and sweetened through distillation with a base of alcohol.
"Liqueurs are slowly becoming popular," says Nischal Gurung, director, Boozemechanics, school of bar and beverages based in the national capital.
Experts in the industry feel that the liqueur market has been steadily growing in India with a prosperous future ahead.
"Liqueurs individually and in cocktails have a 20 per cent market share in India because of its class and aroma," says M S Kiroula, Group Beverages Manager of Welgrow Group.
Despite a good growth sadly there is not enough liqueur production on Indian soil.
"We have just launched a unique fruit based liqueur which is made from Murrela fruit in Africa. There are hardly any Indian liqueurs, you mostly have imported brands in the market. There is a possibility of liqueurs being produced in India but nobody has given a thought to them," says Arun Kumar, Director, Aspri Spirits.
