🚺 Breaking Barriers: Women Redefine India’s Alcobev & Tobacco Industry, Gender Gap Narrows with FMCG
Image via The Economic times
Date: August 18, 2025
India’s alcohol, beverage, and tobacco industry is witnessing a silent revolution led by women. Once seen as a male-dominated space, these sectors are now hiring and promoting women at record speed. According to new workforce data, women’s participation in alcobev and tobacco is climbing so quickly that the gap with the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry—the long-time benchmark for female representation—is closing faster than ever before.
Women Changing the “Spirit” of the Industry
Over the past five years, the shift has been extraordinary. United Breweries, India’s leading beer maker, had only 4.6% women employees in FY20. By FY25, that number shot up to 25%. This is not a minor change—it represents a five-fold growth in female participation.
Similarly, United Spirits Ltd., one of India’s biggest alcobev companies, saw women’s representation grow from 19% in FY20 to 28% in FY25. What makes this even more impressive is the company’s future target. By 2030, United Spirits aims for 33% women in executive positions and an ambitious 50% female presence in its leadership team.
In tobacco too, the winds of change are clear. ITC Ltd, one of India’s most prominent tobacco players, increased its women workforce share from 10% in FY20 to 17% in FY25. Nearly 30% of its contractual jobs are also now held by women.
FMCG Benchmark: The Gap Is Shrinking
For decades, FMCG was the sector most open to women professionals. Even today, it remains ahead in certain leadership roles. A sector scorecard for FY23 shows women make up about 15% of the FMCG workforce, while women occupy 18% of Key Management Personnel (KMP) roles and 20% of Board positions.
But with alcobev and tobacco companies crossing or matching the 15% mark, the long-standing gap is quickly disappearing. In fact, with United Breweries at 25% and United Spirits at 28%, parts of the alcobev industry are already surpassing FMCG in female workforce participation.
Why Are More Women Joining Alcobev and Tobacco?
Industry experts point to a mix of social, cultural, and business reasons:
- Changing Mindsets – Social stigma around women working in alcohol or tobacco companies is fading. Younger professionals view these jobs as legitimate career opportunities, not taboos.
- Diversity = Growth – Businesses now realize that a diverse workforce leads to smarter decisions, stronger innovation, and higher profits.
- Clear Hiring Targets – Companies like United Spirits are setting bold targets for female leadership, showing women they are wanted at every level.
- Cultural Shifts – With urban India becoming more open to alcohol and lifestyle changes, companies are actively positioning themselves as modern, inclusive employers.
- Support Systems – More HR policies around maternity benefits, flexible work, and safety in the workplace are making the sector attractive for female professionals.
Beyond Numbers: What This Means for the Future
This change is not only about statistics—it is reshaping the very culture of the industry.
- Work Culture Evolution – Alcobev and tobacco companies are investing in inclusive practices that make workplaces safer and more welcoming for women.
- New Career Aspirations – Young women from MBA schools and technical backgrounds are now considering alcobev and tobacco as serious career paths.
- Leadership Transformation – With set targets for women in executive and board roles, companies are nurturing future female leaders.
- Breaking Old Norms – Once considered unsuitable for women, these industries are now becoming symbols of equality and progress.
SEO-Friendly Key Insights
- Women in alcobev industry – rising from 4.6% to 25% in five years.
- Gender diversity in tobacco – ITC female workforce share up from 10% to 17%.
- FMCG vs Alcobev comparison – FMCG at ~15%, while alcobev and tobacco now matching or surpassing it.
- Future goals – 33% women executives and 50% women leaders at United Spirits by 2030.
Snapshot Table: Women in Alcobev, Tobacco vs FMCG
| Company / Sector | FY20 Female Share | FY25 Female Share | 2030 Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Breweries | 4.6% | 25% | — |
| United Spirits Ltd | 19% | 28% | 33% executives, 50% leadership |
| ITC (Tobacco) | 10% | 17% (30% contracts) | — |
| FMCG (Sector Avg.) | — | ~15% | 18% KMP, 20% Board positions |