MORE CLASS BEYOND TEACHER'S - Beam Global gears up to push other brands

Buoyed by its success story with the Teacher's brand, Beam Global Spirits & Wine wants to now be seen beyond just that iconic label in India. And there's no surprise here, since the Beam stable boasts of a bouquet of top international brands and it's about the right time that the Indian consumer gets more than just a taste of these.

Excerpts:  The world's fourth largest spirits company wants to now push the gear on brands like DYC, Sauza, Jim Beam Bourbon and Laphroaig. (There's also Canadian Club, Courvoisier, Maker's Mark, Larios, De Kuyper, Knob Creek, Starbucks Liqueurs and Clos Du Bois - enough to make any good drinking man's mouth gape wide open).

- Amitabh Joshi

USL HIT UNBEATEN CENTURY

United Spirits Ltd. has hit the mother of all centuries by achieving the unique distinction of touching 100 million cases to become world's second largest spirit company by volume. With so many markets yet to be explored globally there are miles to go. For Vijay Rekhi, President, USL who has been at the forefront of the action, the milestone is indeed memorable and satisfying. In an interview with Ambrosia he outlines other ambitious plans.

Excerpts:  What next after achieving the 100 million cases milestone? In the long journey to achieve this target, what are the challenges you encountered to attain it? It is a proud moment for all at USL having achieved the landmark sales of > 100 million cases in the FY 2009-10. Having become the 2nd largest spirits company in the world by volume it will be our endeavour to soon march ahead to be the world's No 1. To read the complete interview subscribe our e version

DIMITRI LEZINSKA THE COCKTAIL KING

He is one of the world's best mixologists but he would rather prefer being called the 'Cocktail King'. Meet Dimitri Lezinska, the man who has achieved international recognition as the co-host of the Discovery Channel's hugely popular "Cocktail Kings", a guide to some of the best cities in the world and the cocktails to enjoy in their most stylish bars, restaurants and hotels. He also happens to be the global brand ambassador of the popular vodka brand Grey Goose.

Excerpts:  Dimitri was recently in India conducting training session for the bartenders in different five-star hotels across the country on behalf of Grey Goose. But, that's not the only connection that he has with India. He is married to an Indian - Reshma Bombaywalla, whom he met four years back during a Grey Goose event in India. "We started as friends and soon we realised that we were in love. Hence, we decided to get married. However, she is not the only reason why I keep coming back to India. I like being in this country and for the second season of the show Cocktail Kings, my partner Colin Asare and I are talking to the channel to shoot some parts in India too."

- Rojita Tiwari

A-B INBEV INDIA CHURNS OUT AGGRESSIVE MARKETING PLAN

The consolidation of the two major beer companies in the world Anheuser -Busch and InBev resulting in creation of AB InBev has definitely influenced the dynamics of beer market in India. AB Inbev India's new CEO, Kapil Aggarwal outlines the company's plan of action in an exclusive interview with Ambrosia.

Excerpts:  After taking over the reins at A-B Inbev in India, what are the strategies and changes you intend to bring about in overall operations? A-B Inbev doesn't require any major course correction in terms of our market strategy. The fundamentals remain the same; we intend to continue building our brand portfolio, connecting our brands into the lives of our consumers by focusing on the relevant need states & occasions; & strengthening our route to market.

FOCUS FEATURE - INDIAN WINE SECTOR AT A WATERSHED

Just days ahead of the London International Wine Fair & Distil, the first National Conference on 'Indian Wine Sector – Potential & Challenges' took place in Delhi on May 8th to look into ways in which to salvage the beleaguered wine industry.

Excerpts:: The one-day conference was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai, who has been instrumental in taking up the cause of grape growers in the country and instituting the Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) which organised this meet. Conference Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Ashok Sinha, presided over the function which was attended by a host of stakeholders and media persons.

- Amitabh Joshi

SPECIAL FEATURE - LET'S GO DOWN TO THE BAR

We're all familiar with the term 'bar' and especially so nowadays with a burgeoning young population who are just willing to go out and have a ball. It's interesting, however, to see just how this institution has evolved. Perhaps the next time you go out for that couple of pegs or more with your friends, you just might feel a sense of awe.

Excerpts:: There have been many names throughout history for establishments where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages. Even when an establishment uses a different name, such as "tavern," the area of the establishment where the bartender serves the alcoholic beverage is normally called "the bar."

THE BEER CAN TURNS 50

Flowers are not merely decorative; they are also packed with some nutritional values, and can well be eaten as salads and consumed as wines. There are perhaps 100 types of garden flowers known to man, that are both edible and palatable. Their delicate floral fragrance lends the notes and heightens the aroma of the wine prepared out of the flowers.

Excerpts:  To call flower wines a new fad would be wrong, although, it doesn't seem to have found a market in India yet. Says Ajay Shaw from Sula Vineyards, "India's wine market has only recently grown. When it comes to wines, they are still trying out different varieties of grape and other fruit wines. A heavy taste is what appeals to the Indian market more as opposed to the delicate flavours of flower wines. However, there is definitely a potential for the popularity of flower wines in this country too."

- Debdutta Ray

GLOBALIZATION TRANSFORMS DRINKING CULTURE Wider portfolios now crucial for companies

The changing dynamics of the drinking culture around the world is reflected by a new generation of vibrant niche categories, notably functional drinks, flavoured milk, soy beverages, drinking yoghurt as well as RTD tea, coffee and premixes, says Euromonitor International in its latest briefing on global drinking habits.

Excerpts:  These types of drinks were virtually non-existent on the global stage ten years ago, but they are now a significant collective force, accounting for around US$1 in every $8 we spend on our liquid intake. Crucially, it is a participation forecast to bulge over the next five years, according to Euromonitor International in its report ‘Drinking Cultures of the World – Globalisation Creates Opportunities'.

AN ODE TO FLANDERS BEER

As Flanders beers begin to dot the Indian stores, Ambrosia provides some insights on these famous beers.

Excerpts: The quality of Flanders beer has had a cult following thanks to its excellence and so many different varieties. Flemish beers are big and bold, smooth and silky ranging from well known world wide brands such as Stella Artois lager to the acquired taste of the Lambics. The patron saint of brewers, St Arnold, appears to have set the trend for beer when the plague struck in the Middle Ages. He convinced people to drink beer, because it was boiled. It was a trend they quickly grew to enjoy varying the flavour with honey and spices, herbs and flowers.

CHEERS TO BEER

The future of the brewing industry is undergoing change. For an industry that has witnessed much consolidation and negative growth in its regular market, change could not come at a better time.

Excerpts: UB's milestone of reaching 100 million cases of beer is an important signal to the world that the Indian beer industry is ready to rub shoulders with some of the biggest markets in the world. Their growth of 20 per cent against an industry growth of 10 per cent is perhaps the best indicator of the shape of things to come.

ASPRI INTRODUCES ‘WINE BY THE GLASS' SYSTEM – PRESORVAC

Aspri Spirits, one of India's leading importers and distributors has launched Presorvac – wine preservation system in India. The company has recently got into an agreement with Presorvac for their marketing and distribution rights. Presorvac is a device which helps to retain freshness and quality of wine for a fortnight for still and for a week for the sparkling. This device will help Food & Beverage outlets to run "Wine by the Glass" programme successfully.

Excerpts: Aspri Spirits Private Limited, one of India's leading importers and distributors of premium wines and spirits has launched Presorvac – wine preservation system in India. The Presorvac is state-of-the-art, offering world-class preservation. It is easy and automatic. The machine provides preservation to both still and sparkling wines and increases shelf life of open wine bottle by over a week. In a highly co-ordinate survey in USA by Wine Professionals for various preservation systems, Presorvac showed better results than any other such system and it is available at much better price. Independent market studies conducted in USA proved that the system also enhanced wine sales by Value by over 25 per cent and in volumes by over 10 per cent and reduces the pilferage by over 20 per cent. Aspri Spirits has signed the agreement with Presorvac to market and distribute their products in India

WINES FROM YOUR FLOWER GARDEN

Flowers are not merely decorative; they are also packed with some nutritional values, and can well be eaten as salads and consumed as wines. There are perhaps 100 types of garden flowers known to man, that are both edible and palatable. Their delicate floral fragrance lends the notes and heightens the aroma of the wine prepared out of the flowers.

Excerpts:  To call flower wines a new fad would be wrong, although, it doesn't seem to have found a market in India yet. Says Ajay Shaw from Sula Vineyards, "India's wine market has only recently grown. When it comes to wines, they are still trying out different varieties of grape and other fruit wines. A heavy taste is what appeals to the Indian market more as opposed to the delicate flavours of flower wines. However, there is definitely a potential for the popularity of flower wines in this country too."

- Debdutta Ray

WINING AND DINING - UNVEILING THE MYSTIQUE OF SONEVA KIRI

We had holidayed at both Soneva Gili and Soneva Fushi in the Maldives in the past and our expectation for Soneva Kiri was high. We were not disappointed. Tree top dining, subterranean Wine Cellar, Cinema Paridiso, Thai food etc …all in all outstanding wining and dining…read on to know more…

Excerpts:  It's a Soneva a combination of their names; hence Sonu and Eva (the husband and wife owner team) are intimately involved with every aspect of the property. Located on the island of Koh Kood, on the southeast coast of Thailand facing the Gulf of Siam, Soneva Kiri is truly beyond stars, a boutique luxury resort whose "Intelligent luxury'' philosophy is to offer luxuries of the highest international standards together with sensitivity and a local fell in design, architecture and service. Sonu describes this ideal location as "remote but accessible'', and remote is certainly the case with Soneva Kiri. Your every whim is catered by the very friendly and obliging staff, and with so many wining and dining options you are certainly spoilt for choice.

-Rupali & Bakshish Dean
(Chef Bakshish Dean is Corporate Chef Lite Bite foods and Rupali is hospitality professional)

CHARMS OF VAPOUR

A glass of beer in the Indian summer, especially freshly brewed microbrewery option is truly welcome. It is a celebration for parched throats in the heat. With two existing Pub breweries in the NCR, Gurgaon, one would have thought the market was satiated. However, Vapour has proved that if you have a classy product and some individualistic approach you can always create a niche for yourself.

Excerpts:  Location & Ambience
 Megacity Mall at the beginning of Gurgaon, while approaching from Delhi's MG Road, was believed to not be doing very well. It needed a booster injection and that has come in the shape of Vapour opening its doors to shoppers of Spencer's located in the mall. The shoppers, expatriates and Indians, who just shopped for groceries went home now have reason to enjoy Vapour's offerings. It has given a new lease to the mall.

- Ameeta Sharma

SINGAPORE: THE WINE & DINE HAVEN

Singapore's fine city reputation is well-earned as a clean, modern metropolis. The Island Republic of Singapore's image as a culinary paradise is well earned and merits more than one reflection of what makes good eating….and DRINKING!

Excerpts:  LUNCH AT OOMPHATICO'S
After a quick nap and shower we decided to head for Lunch first. Our guide suggested Oomphatico's on tanglin road a new trend in the cafe experience. On offer was an selection of salads and starters with dishes like Prawn Cocktail on green mango and Avocado guacamole and the Salade Nicoise with ‘blackened' Yellow Fin Tuna, a must try. Besides the regular selection of pasta, risottos, pizzas and sandwiches, some of the Signature mains included, the divine 21-day aged New Zealand Angus Grass-Fed Rib Eye Steak, enoki mushroom, three mustards and meat glaze. As for us we loved the Slow Roasted Kurobuta Pork Belly with Vindaloo emulsion. We also enjoyed the hazelnut crush and creamed spinach with my main course. The Oomphatico's experience is incomplete without trying their in-house desserts. Recommendations go all out for "That Expensive Chocolate Dish and their range of delectable Freshly Churned Homemade Ice-Creams and Sorbets. We would simply say that with a unique menu and an unpretentious ambience, Oomphatico's is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch or a place to unwind over the weekend.

- Rupali and Chef Bakshish Dean
(Chef Bakshish Dean is Corporate Chef Lite Bite foods and Rupali is hospitality professional)

SOME FACTS ABOUT WINE

Discover what it takes to make the best aged wines in the world and unlock the doors to an array of wine-making technologies!

Excerpts:  A year ago, a bottle of Perrier-Jouët was opened and tasted which had notes of "truffles and caramel". This was after a very long one hundred and eighty four years. While most of us would probably appreciate this little piece of trivia about wine and exclaim in wonder at the beauty of an aged wine, it is all the more probable that the nuances of wine making are lost upon us. They say that old wine is the best we can appreciate. Still others beg to differ. Connoisseurs of wine have delightfully varied things to say about the wines that they sample. At the end of the day, can we distinguish between the arrays of wines, whether they are young or vintage? Or is it that we need a fuller understanding of how this legendary drink is actually made and importantly, made better with age?

WORLD WINE TOUR'S RENDEZVOUS WITH INDIA

Just four hours flying from Bangkok, Georges and I were welcomed by the heat, traffic, and the vibrant colours harboured in the city of Mumbai. We had come by invitation of Ambrosia Magazine, and were set out to collect the best wines and stories from the upcoming wine nation, all for our charity auction.

Excerpts:  Rojita Tiwari, Associate Editor of Ambrosia Magazine was awaiting us to discuss the special wine event held at the JW Marriott Hotel for our very own World Wine Tour 2010. The event was organized to introduce our project to the wine professionals of India; journalists, importers, and of course, wineries. Of India's now 60+ wineries, the top nine stars were participating in the event. After our introduction highlighting the project's goal, the charity, the auction, and the sponsors making the project possible, we were able to thoroughly taste the wineries' portfolios, which were diverse and well representing of a land searching for its specialty. We could easily see that Indian wine was looking to make a name for it, and these wineries were at the forefront of the movement.

- Anja & Georges

GEORGIA STEPS INTO INDIAN WINE MARKET

India's burgeoning wine industry has found a new addition to its bouquet of imported wines. The wines from the East European nation of Georgia, has joined the league of imported wines (from France, Italy, Australia, California, among others) in India.

Excerpts: Kartik Sharma, director of Tabuni Gvino, a Mumbai-based wine and liquor importing company has started his first venture with bringing home wines from Georgia. Tabuni Gvino, incidentally is the first Indian wine and liquor importer to target Georgia. When asked what made him think about wines from this region, he says, "Georgia (member of the CIS) is the oldest wine producing region in the world. It is believed that wine was produced in Georgia as early as 7000 years ago. To learn about such a rich history in wine making, and its prevalent wine culture was delightful!" And from a business perspective, he adds, "We were keen to enter the Indian wine market with a different proposition and a relatively new product offering. At a time when several other Indian wine importers are bringing in wines from newer regions like Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, among others, and more importantly, the Indian consumer is open to experimenting with them, we thought, it's time to introduce the Georgian wines."

FOUR SEASONS WINES PAIRED WITH FOOD FROM BALUCHI

As taste buds of Indian consumer get further enticed by food and wine pairings, new options open up. UB Group's Four Seasons launches in Delhi an exercise of pairing the food of Baluchi restaurant in The Lalit hotel with its Four Seasons wines.

Excerpts: With vineyards planted in the region of Baramati which the chief winemaker, Abhay Kewadkar, describes as ‘the land of twelve soils' under controlled yield of vineyards the group has launched nine labels. Two of these nine are barrique Reserve wines. One is Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz 10% and the other a blend of Shiraz 87%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10% and Viognier a mere 3%. However, the pairing with food was not for these rich in taste and full bodied wines.

- Ameeta Sharma