VBev Anticipates Significant Growth in India's Alco-Beverage Market

VBev Anticipates Significant Growth in India's Alco-Beverage Market

By Author

Published on July 7, 2023

The alco-beverage industry in India is experiencing a notable transformation driven by changing consumer preferences, increased income levels, and growing awareness of international trends. Amidst this evolution, VBev, a prominent player in the Indian market, is poised for impressive growth in the coming years. Sumedh Singh Mandla, CEO of VBev India, recently shared the company's strategic vision for expanding its presence in this dynamic industry.

Mandla highlighted the thriving alco-culture in India's metro cities and Tier II/III cities, where there has been a robust demand for premium alco-beverages. Rising disposable incomes and heightened consumer awareness have led to a growing desire for quality experiences in food and beverage. Consumers are increasingly following global trends, resulting in significant demand for cocktails, tequila, gin, and malt whiskies.

According to Mandla, the market for imported liquor in India is shaped by current consumer trends. While high taxation and entry costs contribute to higher pricing in some states, the premium segment is experiencing rapid growth. The young and affluent consumer base, aged between 21-45 years, with higher spending power, is driving this growth. Increased digital connectivity and international travel have expanded their knowledge and fuelled their desire for new trends and experiences in the alco-bev space. VBev plays a crucial role as an importer in meeting these demands.

Infused alcoholic beverages, such as flavoured vodka and gin, have gained popularity due to the flourishing nightlife culture. However, whisky remains the leading category in the Indian alco-beverage market, followed by brandy and rum. There is growing awareness and demand for wine, gin, tequila, vodka, shooters, and cocktails. Infused whiskey is also finding some patronage. The cocktail culture, led by cocktail bars and lounges, is on the rise, with skilled bartenders gaining recognition. Cocktail festivals, vibrant nightlife, and premium lounges are driving this cultural shift.

VBev recognizes the importance of staying attuned to the evolving market landscape. With a diverse portfolio, the company continuously adapts to meet changing consumer preferences, emerging trends, and demands. Looking ahead to 2023, VBev plans to introduce premium categories like cognac, whiskies, and tequila, carefully curated to deliver unique and memorable experiences.

With a strong distribution network, brand development, a talented team, and strategic partnerships, VBev has built a wide-reaching presence across the Indian subcontinent. Their focus spans on-premises, off-premises, and travel retail channels.

Driven by their vision of achieving robust double-digit growth over the next five years, VBev aims to become a leading player in the Indian alco-beverage market. Their success will be supported by a focus on distribution, brand development, team strength, and strategic partnerships, as concluded by Mandla.


403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

403 Forbidden Bar Hosts Chef Takeover with Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

403 Forbidden Bar is set to host a two-day Chef Takeover as part of its 403 OVERRIDE FIREWALL X series, featuring Priyam Chatterjee and Rishabh Seal on April 25 and 26.

Positioned as a high-intent, limited-period dining experience, the collaboration brings together two distinct culinary perspectives, blending heritage-driven narratives with contemporary interpretation. Designed as an immersive format, the takeover moves beyond conventional dining to present a structured and non-replicable culinary journey.

Chef Priyam Chatterjee, known for his progressive approach to modern Indian cuisine, brings a style shaped by classical technique and global exposure. His cooking focuses on elevating familiar flavours through precision and refined execution.

Chef Rishabh Seal complements this with a culinary philosophy rooted in cultural memory and subtle innovation, presenting dishes that balance regional influences with a contemporary lens.

Together, the chefs introduce a bespoke menu built around the theme “From Heritage to Haute Cuisine Reimagined”, where traditional flavours are reinterpreted using modern techniques. The experience unfolds as a layered, sensory journey, encouraging guests to engage with each course as part of a larger narrative.

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The culinary offering is paired with the bar’s technique-driven cocktail programme, where methods such as distillation, clarification, and infusion are used to create drinks that align closely with the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

Set within a space inspired by the concept of a digital 403 access denied code, the venue is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from external distractions and immerse themselves fully in the experience. From lighting and sound to service, every element is curated to create a cohesive and engaging environment.

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Speaking on the collaboration, Chef Priyam Chatterjee noted that the experience focuses on storytelling through food, presenting familiar flavours in a way that feels both intuitive and unexpected. Chef Rishabh Seal added that the menu aims to respect traditional roots while allowing flavours to evolve naturally.

Aman Dua, Co-Founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, highlighted that the series is designed as a platform for chefs with distinct culinary voices to engage with the space in a meaningful and immersive format.

With limited seating, the takeover offers a rare, experiential dining format, bringing together craft, creativity, and narrative-led cuisine in one of Bengaluru’s most conceptually distinctive venues.


Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

Lyla BKC Reinforces Its Weekend Brunch as a Go-To Social Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Lyla Bombay continues to strengthen its position as a neighbourhood favourite with its weekend brunch experience, designed as a relaxed and social affair in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex.

Known for its easy, unhurried format, the brunch brings together a generous grazing table, an interactive DIY burger station, and live performances, creating an atmosphere that is both indulgent and laid-back. The experience is crafted to encourage guests to linger, making it ideal for casual catch-ups as well as longer, leisurely gatherings.

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Over the past two years, Lyla has built a strong following, driven by its globally inspired menu and warm, inviting space. The restaurant strikes a balance between comfort and refinement, offering a setting that feels approachable yet thoughtfully curated.

The brunch format reflects the growing demand for experiential dining, where food, ambience, and social interaction come together seamlessly. By combining interactive elements with live entertainment, Lyla continues to create a weekend offering that resonates with Mumbai’s evolving dining preferences.

With its consistent focus on quality and atmosphere, Lyla’s weekend brunch remains a go-to destination for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging dining experience in the city.

Details:

  • What: Weekend Brunch
  • Where: Bandra Kurla Complex
  • When: Every Saturday & Sunday

Third Wave Coffee Unveils ‘Third Rush’ for Dessert Lovers

Third Wave Coffee Unveils ‘Third Rush’ for Dessert Lovers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 26, 2026

Third Wave Coffee is stepping into a new space with the launch of ‘Third Rush’, a dessert-focused concept that is all about giving in to cravings without waiting for a reason. Built around the idea of being “Made for the Mood”, the brand brings a fresh take on how desserts are enjoyed today, more spontaneous, more social, and driven by the moment.

With café culture evolving, especially among younger consumers who now prefer cafés as places to relax and connect, Third Rush positions itself as a go-to spot after 7 PM. It is designed as a space where plans take a backseat, and conversations, sharing, and repeat orders take over naturally.

Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “With Third Rush, we’re building something that goes beyond dessert as a category and instead focuses on dessert as an experience. Third Wave Coffee has always been envisioned as a young, fun brand, one that understands how our consumers like to spend time, connect, and unwind. With Third Rush, we’re extending that philosophy into a new space, continuing to build concepts that feel relevant to their evolving lifestyles and social habits. The way consumers engage with cafés today is changing; it’s more social, more spontaneous, and deeply rooted in emotion. Third Rush is our response to that shift. It’s designed to be high-energy, welcoming, and a little indulgent, a space where people can come together, unwind, and fully lean into the moment, whatever that mood may be.”

At the centre of Third Rush is a menu that blends familiar favourites with fresh twists. One of the highlights is the Tres Leches range, including a fun, nostalgia-inspired Jim Jam version and the Third Wave Tres Leches infused with the brand’s signature cold brew. The idea is simple, come for one, and you’ll likely end up trying more.

The menu also features layered cakes where classics like Chocolate Cake and Pineapple Cake are reimagined in log-style formats, making them more visual and easy to share. Alongside these are options like Chocolate Pistachio, Carrot & Cream Cheese, and Passionfruit Vanilla, offering a mix of comfort and new flavours.

Adding more variety are the ‘Stacks’, layered desserts that bring together textures and flavours in one bite. Options like Banana Custard, Strawberry Hazelnut, and Biscoff sit alongside nostalgic picks such as the Parle-G Stack and Bombay Cassata. For coffee lovers, the Third Wave Stack adds a strong coffee touch to the mix.

The dessert spread continues with tarts and pies like Banoffee, Lemon, Raspberry Pistachio, Matcha White Chocolate, and Chocolate Caramel. There is also a range of mousses and cheesecakes, including Triple Chocolate Mousse, Basque Cheesecake, Blueberry Lemon, and Biscoff Basque Cheesecake. For those who enjoy warm desserts, options like molten skillet cookies, brownies, including a Pistachio Kunafa Brownie, and freshly baked cookies complete the experience.

Third Rush is launching first in Bangalore and will gradually expand to Third Wave Coffee cafés across the country. It adds a new layer to the brand’s community-driven approach, turning cafés into spaces where people can come together, unwind, and enjoy simple moments.

Details:

Address: Third Wave Coffee outlets: Koramangala 4th Block, Sadashivnagar, Indiranagar (CMH Road) & Vijaya Bank Layout

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