State may earn Rs 3 cr revenue from 2018 beer export surge

After amending the Tamil Nadu Prohibition act in 2017, there was a steady increase in export of various brands of beer to other States. The government was also exempted from paying excise duty for export. Accordingly, this year, more than 20 lakh cases of beer is expected to be sent to other countries.

A senior official from Tasmac told DTNext on Thursday that the government has closed more than 1,000 liquor shops along the highways after the Supreme Court’s order. "Sale of beer hasn’t been that profitable since the closure of 1,400 liquor shops. Therefore, we have permitted liquor companies here to export beer," he added.

According to the official, in 2015-16, 1.15 lakh cases of beer was exported and in 2016-17, 5.56 lakh cases were exported. Similarly, in 2017-18, 10 lakh cases were exported. “This year already more than 15 lakh cases of beer have been sent abroad through us by various companies in the State,” the official said, adding, earnings through export fees will cross Rs 3 crore this year.

Tamil Nadu has 18 major and minor distilleries that produce liquor, which is supplied to Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, the state-run liquor retail monopoly. Of the total, seven beer manufacturing units are available in the State.

Stating that last year only a few brands were exported, this year more than 10 brands were exported. “We recently made it possible for companies to facilitate transactions online,” he noted.

Local beer brands that are global favourites include, 10,000 Volts – AM Breweries, SNJ 20,000 and British Empire – SNJ breweries and Black Pearl from Kals breweries.