India–UK FTA opens big opportunity for Indian spirits in the UK, but market access still uneven: Devans CMD Prem Dewan

As India and the UK move closer to implementing the India-UK CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), the alco-bev sector is bracing for a major reset. Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of Devans Modern Breweries, says the trade agreement has the potential to unlock one of the biggest export opportunities yet for Indian spirits and beer brands—especially single malts that are already gaining traction globally. But he cautions that despite tariff cuts, real reciprocity remains limited, with UK maturity norms and other non-tariff barriers still restricting access for Indian producers. In a conversation with TOI, Dewan discusses the promise of the UK market, the competitive pressure from cheaper Scotch imports, the innovation push within Indian alco-bev, and the regul