Market Trends of India Container Glass Industry
Alcoholic Segment to Hold Significant Market Share
- Alcohol, such as wine and spirits, is usually stored in glass. The glass bottle is most favored in wine packaging, especially colored glass because wine should not be exposed to sunlight. If exposed to sunlight, the wine will get spoiled. The increasing consumption of wine is expected to spearhead the glass packaging demand during the forecast period.
- India's alcohol consumption has doubled over the past decade. The market is experiencing a dual focus: expansion of the premium segment and increased penetration of the routine category, both aimed at boosting per capita consumption. Vendors are noting a growing demand from the wine and spirits industry. For example, Piramal Glass, which supplies to major brands like Diageo, Bacardi, and Pernod Ricard, reports an uptick in demand for short-run specialty bottles for spirits.
- India is one of the fastest-growing alcoholic beverage markets globally. Moreover, ICRIER (Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations) said that over 70% of the growth in alcoholic beverage consumption in India in the next decade would be driven by the lower middle and upper middle-income groups, and there is a growing trend toward product premiumization.
- The sector is open to foreign investments, and many states offer subsidies for local manufacturing (for example, Maharashtra and Karnataka for wines). From the demand side, factors such as rapid urbanization, changing consumer preferences, and a sizeable and growing middle-class population with increased purchasing power have contributed to the growth in demand for alcoholic beverages.
- In addition, the government should focus on phased tariffs and other duties reductions, and Indian companies should be encouraged to export to improve the trade balance. Duty reduction for intermediate products can enhance value addition in India and boost domestic manufacturing potential.
- Alcoholic beverages, particularly premium products, often use glass containers due to their aesthetic appeal, durability, and inert nature, which preserves the quality of the contents. As export volumes rise, demand for high-quality glass bottles for spirits, wines, and beers will likely increase to meet international standards and consumer preferences.
- According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in financial year 2024, the export value of alcoholic beverages from India reached USD 375 million, marking an increase from the previous year.
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Pharmaceutical Industry to Register Significant Growth
- India is one of the major suppliers of generic medicines worldwide. As exports increase, demand for high-quality glass packaging that meets international standards also rises. This stimulates growth in the glass container market, as manufacturers ramp up production to cater to both domestic and global markets.
- The healthcare sector's growth encourages investments in R&D, especially for more sustainable, lightweight, and durable glass packaging solutions. This aligns with the healthcare industry’s need for efficient and safe packaging, promoting advancements in the glass container market.
- According to India Brand Equity Foundation, in 2023, India's healthcare sector was valued at roughly USD 372 billion. It was an increase in comparison to 2020, showcasing significant growth. The sector is one of the largest contributors in terms of revenue and employment in the country.
- Moreover, India has emerged as a medical tourism hub, providing cost-effective treatments with the latest technology enabled by several pathbreaking reforms and provisions. India is one of the biggest suppliers of low-cost medicines in the world. Because of their low price and high quality, Indian medicines are preferred worldwide, rightly making the country the ‘Pharmacy of the World’.
- The expansion in healthcare services and pharmaceuticals directly boosts demand for glass containers, especially for packaging medicines, vaccines, and medical vials. Glass is commonly used in these applications due to its non-reactive nature, helping preserve the quality and efficacy of medicines, which is crucial for the healthcare industry.
