In a significant move, the Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet of Kerala has decided to brand all toddy produced in the state as ‘Kerala Toddy,’ popularly known as the poor man’s scotch. Moreover, the state government has granted permission to all three-star and above hotels and resorts in tourist spots to tap fresh toddy and serve it to guests. This decision comes as a boost to the toddy industry, which was once associated more with unclean environments than the beverage itself.
Around 3,500 toddy shops in the state will now receive a classification based on the facilities they offer. Additionally, the government aims to promote tree planting to increase toddy production. Toddy is tapped in Kerala from both coconut trees and palm trees, with the former collected in mud pots. After fermentation, it develops an alcohol content of 5 to 8 percent. This latest move seeks to enhance the reputation and availability of traditional beverages in the state.