Lucknow

Liquor consumers in Uttar Pradesh are going high on foreign brands that are lining up in large numbers to woo alcoholic beverage patrons from the state.

The total number of liquor brands registered in the state have gone up to 3,854 during the current fiscal year which is the highest so far.

In the previous fiscal year, 3,106 different alcoholic products were registered, according to a government spokesman.

Local premium brands are facing strong competition as overseas liquor brands continue to make inroads into the retail sector. The number of imported foreign liquor brands (whisky, vodka, rum and gin) available in Uttar Pradesh have increased from 199 in the previous financial year to 573 this time.

Similarly, non-Indian wine producers have pushed more products while foreign beer manufacturers have increased their offerings too.

The number of imported wine and beer products have gone up from 305 to 445 and 34 to 41 in a year.

Officials said that the improved scenario, in which end consumers will have more options to choose from, has been possible since annual excise policy was made robust and flexible.

We also have the full support of the state government to implement measures that improve the ease of doing business, said excise commissioner Senthil C. Pandian. The excise department was also able to generate higher revenues through increased registration of brands with year-over-year (YoY) revenue going up from Rs 18.12 crore to Rs 20.92 crore.