Mumbai-based Nipra Industries, a leading Indian manufacturer of aluminum closures, made its debut at drinktec 2025 in Munich to build connections in the global beverage packaging market. Speaking to Packaging South Asia at the company’s stand, executive director Nikhil Jain described the show as a well-marketed platform that attracts key players from across the drinks and beverages sector.
According to Jain, the exhibition enabled Nipra to establish new contacts, particularly in Europe, where the company sees significant potential. However, he noted that high import duties on Indian products, compared with the preferential rates enjoyed by suppliers from countries in the EUR 1 zone, remain a challenge. “For Indian closures to gain real traction in Europe, a trade agreement will be crucial,” he said.
India and the EU have been in talks to sign a free trade agreement for many years. Recently, union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal stated that the two parties are expected to seal the agreement by the end of this year. Goyal said such a deal will benefit businesses and consumers on both sides.
Nipra specializes in closures for wine, spirits, and olive oil, with wine closures emerging as a particularly strong growth segment outside India. While the Indian market is more focused on spirits, Jain pointed out that wine is consumed more widely in Europe, making it a natural growth area for screw-cap closures. “There is a slow but steady shift away from traditional corks, driven by younger consumers who value the convenience of screw caps without compromising quality,” he explained.
Visitors from both Europe and North Africa showed interest in Nipra’s products, while several Indian companies in the premium water and alcobev space welcomed the company’s presence at an international platform. Jain said it was encouraging to meet Indian brands abroad who were surprised and pleased to see an Indian supplier competing globally.
Looking ahead, Jain acknowledged that establishing a local presence in Europe through warehousing or representation would help overcome logistical challenges, particularly shipping times of four to five weeks from India. However, he stressed that such a move would only be viable if trade terms improved to make the economics attractive for both customers and suppliers.
Nipra will also participate in drinktec India, scheduled for Mumbai in November this year, where it plans to showcase its latest crown product to existing and prospective domestic customers.
