Brews & Spirits Expo 2026 to Spotlight India’s Premiumisation-Driven Alcobev Industry
Bengaluru emerges as a key testing ground for craft beer, premium spirits and new drinking experiences
BENGALURU: India’s alcoholic-beverage market, estimated at more than US$50 billion by Invest India, is entering a premiumisation-led phase, with consumers increasingly seeking quality, provenance, ageing, distinctive ingredients and differentiated drinking experiences.
Against this backdrop, the seventh edition of Brews & Spirits Expo 2026 will be held from September 9 to 11 at the KTPO Convention Centre, Whitefield, Bengaluru. Themed “Blend & Build”, the three-day expo will focus on collaboration, innovation and the convergence of diverse expertise across the alcobev industry.
The event will feature more than 100 exhibitors and is expected to attract around 6,000 attendees, showcasing brands, products, technologies and solutions shaping the future of the sector.
A Japan Pavilion will make its debut this year, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the heritage of sake and shochu through tastings and direct sourcing opportunities. A dedicated Coffee & Tea Pavilion will highlight the growing emphasis on quality, craft and social experiences, while the Beer Lounge will feature different beer styles, regional craft brews and guided tasting sessions.
Karnataka at the forefront of changing drinking culture
Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru, has emerged as an important market in India’s evolving alcobev landscape. The state’s relatively progressive approach to beer, pubs and microbreweries has helped Bengaluru develop a strong craft-beer ecosystem centred on brewpubs, independent breweries, speciality beers and experiential consumption.
The state’s shift from government-controlled alcohol pricing from April 2026 to an alcohol-in-beverage-based excise structure has also provided producers greater flexibility in pricing. This has positioned Karnataka as an important testing ground for premium spirits, craft beer, brewpubs and emerging drinking occasions.
“Blend & Build” will bring together industry leaders from brewing, distilling, hospitality and technology. Speakers include Riyaaz Amlani, Vikram Damodaran, Narayan Manepally, Kishore Pallamreddy, Pratheek Reddy, Minakshi Singh, Ashish Ranjan, Gautam Gandhi, Nakul Bhonsle and Udit Mediratta, among others.
“Brews & Spirits Expo has always been about creating a platform where the industry can come together, exchange ideas and spark innovation,” said Pradeep Devaiah, Chairman and CEO of PDA Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
The expo is supported by several industry bodies, including the All India Brewers Association, All India Distillers Association, Karnataka Brewers and Distillers Association and Karnataka Grape & Wine Board.
