Mahua, once-banned Indian heritage liquor, returns to menus via new producers

Mahua, a traditional Indian spirit long stigmatised and banned, is being revived by a new generation of producers and drinkers. The comeback signals rising demand for heritage and craft beverages within India's F&B and beverage retail scene.

— Filed Sat, 4 Jul, 2026, 11:25 IST · Source Financial Times · India · Updated

Mahua, a heritage Indian liquor once banned, is being revived by a new generation of producers and drinkers, reviving interest in the traditional beverage category within India's F&B and beverage retail landscape.

Why this matters

Mahua's return marks a shift for a spirit long carrying legal and social stigma, tapping into growing consumer appetite for heritage and craft beverages across India's F&B and retail landscape.

Retail-brand signals holding steady at 2,446 over the past 90 days.