Women entrepreneurs in alcohol industry

There’s hope and positive change in Indian alcobev industry with this year witnessing women take the top position at the Indian arms of two of the largest alcohol companies in the world: Diageo (in July 2021) and Moet Hennessy. Women also have key positions across most beverage multinationals, shows not just increased diversity, but also the changing face of the industry.

The other big shift that has taken place is in the craft spirits space in the country, where a slew of mostly young entrepreneurs of both sexes have captured the market, and made Indian brands cool and aspirational. However, while there have been changes in the producer profile, the actual business still gets done via distributors, retailers, and bars and pubs. These are largely male-run and owned, with women being allowed to bartend in select states and only a handful working behind the bar. The supply chain for these companies — sourcing raw material, packaging — is still male dominated; in many cases, with traditional mindsets and ways of working.

Therefore, it is a challenging space for a woman entrepreneur to enter. Road is not yet easy.