Hyderabad: The Telangana Beverages Corporation Limited (TGBCL) has once again extended the deadline for companies interested in supplying beer and Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL).
Originally set for March 15, the deadline has now been pushed to April 2, marking the second such extension. Just days ago, TGBCL had granted an initial extension until March 24. But after reviewing the applications, the beverages corporation on Saturday decided to extend the deadline further.
This decision follows TGBCL’s call for tenders from new companies to supply beer and liquor, prompted by a price hike for beer announced on Feb 23 (liquor prices remain unchanged for the time being).
At present, only three major companies dominate the beer supply chain, while the liquor market hosts around 600 different brands. The govt’s push is aimed at allowing more companies to enter the Telangana market, especially as beer prices continue to rise, sources added.
The beverages corporation has already received around 40 applications and is keen to attract more companies, especially those capable of supplying imported alcohol, sources said. Sources said only a handful of beer companies have applied.
However, the new deadline comes with a clear warning: Applications that lack essential details will be rejected, and TGBCL reserves the right to cancel or deny any application without explanation.
This marks only the second time in the state’s history that the beverages corporation has sought applications for beer and liquor supply since Telangana came into being in 2014. The first tender was issued in 2018.
This is seen as part of a larger shift in Telangana’s liquor landscape, as the state gears up for a new liquor policy.
“With the current policy approaching its two-year term, the govt plans to implement a new set of regulations that will include auctioning of wine shop licences,” a source said.
Additionally, the new excise policy will focus on expanding the number of bars and microbreweries, with a goal of bringing in a wider range of players into the market.