The popularity of Faini in southern part of Goa is more as compared to northern part of Goa. Though, in Panaji, which is northern region of Goa, Faini is more readily available. Faini is the country liquor of Goa, which is known for its beautiful sea beaches, is equally known for Faini as well. No Indian country liquor from any state of India or from any other country for that matter has not been so famous like the Faini of Goa. Although, due to increase in pressure from the Russian tourists, the number of tourists who consume Faini is getting less.
Despite all this, the magic of Faini continues. If the consumers of Faini are not increasing, they aren’t decreasing too despite the fact that Faini still has a pungent flavor. In the nearby shops of Colva beach of Southern Goa or perhaps in the region of Fonda, one can get fresh Faini. Not just in Southern Goa, even from Old Church till Panaji, any one can get Faini at the roadside coffee shops.
But one thing is remarkable. The quality of Faini is still as earlier as in the past decades. There hasn’t been any commercialization of Faini. Why it is so, explains a Coconut water shopkeeper, Shaile Carnis, who has his shop near Fonda. “There was a conspiracy of a lot of big companies that Faini might create disruption in their business. Another reason is that the amount of Faini produced in Goa, the 70 per cent of it is consumed in Goa itself. It’s called home consumption in local parlance. The rest 30 per cent is sent only in the markets of Goa. Frankly speaking, Faini is intentionally not promoted in the market outside Goa.
In Goa’s majority of liquor shop, Faini was available in the price range of Rs 800- Rs 2000 per bottle. But it had very few takers. Reason being it’s not as refined as other English liquor. The shopkeepers say that whatever permissibility Faini has in Goa, should remain the same. If it is marketed on a much larger scale, then there will be not Faini left for the Goa market. In the Goa markets, ranging from 8 percent alcohol content to 42 and 47 percent alcohol content cashews Faini bottles are sold. In latest bottles, packed Faini is exported also. It’s demand is also very decent but the supply is not good or intentionally the supply is kept less.
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The history of Faini in Goa is quite old. Currently, Faini is produced in almost 4000 places. Mostly it is made from Coconut water or cashews. Faini is quite good from the health point of view for all those who work near the sea beaches or perhaps the fishermen. Before Portuguese came to Goa, Faini used to be made from Coconut water. But Portuguese started producing Faini from different kind of cashews. In fact, Portuguese planted cashew nut trees in Goa, which have not become Goa’s identity. Portuguese started the trend of Coconut water Faini and other types of liquor in Goa.