The International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) recently commissioned global research agency IPSOS to conduct a market survey to assess shopper experience and perceptions at high-end premium liquor stores. The survey gleaned interesting insights into transforming alcobev buying experiences with the growth of premiumization across key regions in the country.
Propensity for women to visit outlets is higher at premium outlets
Women are stepping into liquor stores more than ever before on the back of premiumization. The survey found that while just 2% of women shoppers visited regular stores, premium stores witnessed 10% women visiting and shopping for their preferred brands. This growth stems from the safety and comfort that premium liquor stores offer, making women feel independent enough to browse for premium brands and shop for them on their own.
Premium outlets offer a safe environment
A safe and inviting environment is also encouraging men and women to spend more time at premium stores, basking in the shopping experience. The survey revealed that 23% men are accompanied in a premium store and 63% are alone, as compared to regular stores where 27% men come accompanied and 72% are alone. On the other hand, with a better environment, 63% women walk into premium liquor stores alone while only 37% are accompanied.
Experience and experiment at premium outlets
43% of shoppers visiting in groups browse and experiment at liquor stores. Unlike regular liquor stores, premium stores allow patrons to enter the pleasantly-designed outlets and browse through the aisles to pick up their preferred drinks. The research found that individuals in the age group of 31-40 years are driving the experimentation and browsing trends with 54% shoppers enquiring about products. Moreover, shoppers were found to be more explorative while visiting in groups (43%) vis-à-vis visiting alone (29%).
In terms of drinks that are piquing customer interest, the data pointed towards beer and rum, which attracted the maximum browsing and interaction during non-peak hours. 35% more shoppers interact with retailers at premium stores as opposed to regular ones.
Women spend more at premium liquor stores
With premium stores offering a greater number of high-quality, sought-after brands, it is not surprising that the survey found a higher offtake of premium (Whiskey-18 % – Beer-34%) compared to regular outlets (Whiskey 5% – Beer-18%). The data also pointed towards a 2x growth in spends at premium stores with women averaging Rs 702 on a single purchase as compared to Rs 468 among men.
40+ shoppers drive maximum sales at premium stores
Delving into the demographic trends unlocked by premium liquor stores, the survey unveiled interesting insights. Overall, in premium stores, 19% of shoppers are above 41 while 14% are above 50 years. Comparatively, regular stores witness 16% shoppers above 41 years and 4% over 50. The trend replicates itself across Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Bangalore, where shoppers in the 40+ age bracket frequent premium liquor stores more than regular ones. This indicates that premium liquor stores are attracting mature, affluent shoppers who analyze brands and prefer making informed decisions around alcobev purchases.
Speaking on the survey, Nita Kapoor, chief executive officer, said, “Premium liquor stores are driving the trends of browsing and experimentation in the alcobev industry leading to the key message of drink less, drink better by ISWAI. As evidenced by the survey, more shoppers, including women and higher age groups, prefer premium stores on the back of elevated experience, perception, ease of navigation, and safety. Weekdays and non-peak hours witness an uptick in browsing as relaxed shopping takes place during these hours. The number of people consuming liquor in India is projected to increase from 29.3 crore in 2018 to 38.6 crore in 2030. With greater and better variety and room for experimentation at premium stores, premiumization of liquor stores will continue to unlock interesting trends in this space.”
IndiFoodBev — authentic, impactful and influential
An English-language food and beverage processing and packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, IndiFoodBev is in its third year of publication. It is said that the Indian food and beverage industries represent approximately US$ 900 billion in revenues which implies more than 20% of the country’s GDP. Eliminating the wastage on the farmside can help to deliver more protein to a higher number of the population apart from generating sizable exports. The savings in soil, seeds, water, fertilizer, energy and ultimately food and nutrition could be the most immense contribution that country is poised to make to the moderation of climate change.
To improve your marketing and grow sales to the food and beverage processing and packaging industry, talk to us. Our research and consulting company IppStar [www.ippstar.org] can assess your potential and addressable markets in light of the competition. We can discuss marketing, communication, and sales strategies for market entry and growth.
Suppliers and service providers with a strategy and budget for targeted marketing can discuss using our hybrid print, web, video, and social media channels to create brand recognition linked to market relevance. Our technical writers are ready to meet you and your customers for content.
The second largest producer of fruit and vegetables in the world is continuously expanding processing capacities and delivery systems with appropriate innovative technologies. We cover product and consumer trends, nutrition, processing, research, equipment and packaging from farm to thali. Get our 2025 media kit and recalibrate your role in this dynamic market. Enhance your visibility and relevance to existing markets and turn potential customers into conversations. Ask for a sample copy of our bi-monthly in print or our weekly IndiFoodBev eZine each Wednesday.
For editorial info@ippgroup.in — for advertisement ads1@ippgroup.in and for subscriptions subscription@ippgroup.in
Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
Subscribe Now
