Hyderabad: The state government has received an overwhelming response from liquor companies seeking approval to introduce new brands. According to data released by the excise department on Tuesday, 92 liquor companies submitted applications for permission to supply 604 new brands before the final deadline of April 2. The Telangana Beverages Corporation Limited (TGBCL), which oversees liquor distribution, had issued a notification on February 23 inviting applications from both domestic and international suppliers to introduce new brands of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer. This move aimed to broaden the range of alcoholic beverages available in the market. Initially, the last date for submission was March 15. After requests from several companies who cited challenges in complying with new documentation requirements, prohibition and excise commissioner C. Hari Kiran extended the deadline to April 2. Out of the 604 new brands proposed, 331 are new IMFL variants while 273 are foreign liquor brands. Interestingly, 47 new companies, applying for the first time in Telangana, accounted for 386 of the new brand applications. Meanwhile, 45 existing suppliers submitted proposals for an additional 218 brands. Officials from the excise Department stated that all applications would undergo detailed scrutiny. Final approvals will be granted based on compliance with the state government’s updated liquor guidelines. The huge response reflects the growing interest among companies to enter Telangana’s expanding alcohol market, officials said.
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