Profile - India-EU Trade Deal Joyride for Some, Bumps for Others

The much awaited talks between India and the European Union on a Free Trade Agreement are going to be held in February and the outcome of the meet is set to impact the Indian liquor industry, although opinion is divided on just how significant this impact will be. Delhi Bureau Chief Amitabh Joshi takes an incisive look.

Chief among the contentious issues between India and the EU as far as the alcobev sector is concerned is New Delhi’s levy of 150% duty on imported spirits and wines from Europe. Last month, a leading national daily created ripples when it said that sources within the government have now indicated that the duty could, in all likelihood, be slashed from 150% down to 50%. So far, New Delhi has resisted the scaling down amid protests from European manufacturers that the country’s domestic industry was being protected.

Profile - Teacher’s Launches RTD Variants

At the turn of the year, Beam India has added unexpected flair to the Indian liquor market by bringing in two Scotch-based ready to drink (RTD) beverages Mumbai became the first city in the world to get a taste of the new Teacher’s variants. Amitabh Joshi reports.

It’s an exciting time for the Indian consumer, who now has the luxury and opportunity to drink Scotch out of a can in a market which has been dominated by Bacardi Breezers. Two Teacher’s RTDs launched in Mumbai recently by Beam India are premixed with two of the most common mixers – Soda and Cola. The Teacher’s RTDs, which are presently only in the Maharashtra market, are to be launched in the larger Indian market soon. The move comes after the successful launch of two luxury expressions, Teacher’s 25 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky and Teacher’s Highland Single Malt. With this launch, the company said that Teacher’s now has a complete end-to-end Scotch portfolio in the region targeting different segments of Scotch aspiring consumers in India.

Profile - A Master Blender is like the conductor of an orchestra – Robert Hicks

After spending 47 years as a blender, Robert Hicks has mastered the art of blending whiskies. With his signature style reverberating in every Teacher’s brand, the credit solely goes to him for creating Teacher’s Single Malt and Teacher’s 25 year old. Ambrosia spoke to Robert Hicks during the recent global launch of his new creations in India.

Born on March 3, 1945 Robert Hicks started in the industry in late 1964 and after gaining knowledge on all aspects of the industry from distilling, maturation, blending and bottling he joined Hiram Walker & Sons (Scotland) Ltd. the owners of Ballantine’s, in 1970 as assistant blender, he went on to become Teacher's master blender in 1986.

Profile - Tilaknagar Aiming High

The court verdict in favour of Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. (TIL) in Mansion House brand dispute has given a boost to the company’s aspirations. With volume over 6 million cases and 15% growth, "TIL’s new line of products will be of entirely different formulation, at different price points and altogether different packaging mix," reveals Amit Dahanukar, Chairman and Managing Director, TIL in an exclusive interview with Rojita Tiwari.

Special Feature - Ethanol Fuels Deep Crisis

All indications are that the central government is set to raise the prices of ethanol procured from the sugar industry, setting the stage for a deep crisis in the IMFL sector and potentially inflicting a dent on state excise revenues. Amitabh Joshi reports.

The hike in ethanol price, as envisaged under various facets of the central government’s ethanol blending programme (EBP), has left the branded segment of the Indian potable alcohol industry in a tizzy.

Special Feature- Export Rescues Troubled Scotch Industry

Despite some set backs in the domestic market, Scotch whisky industry is happy spreading its wings around the globe. The export growth was registered 23% in the last quarter of 2011 and currently the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is attempting at securing better legal protection for Scotch whisky in a number of markets. Rojita Tiwari reports.

One of the most active alcohol bodies in the world, Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) reports that Scotch whisky exports are growing in many markets around the world. The most recent figures for the first three quarters of 2011 show that the value of exports increased by 23% to almost £3bn. This is a result of growth in more mature markets, such as the USA and France, combined with increased demand from emerging markets, including those in South America and Asia. The US and France remain the top two markets for Scotch whisky – exports to the US hit £430.7 million in the first nine months of 2011, up 25%, and the French market was worth £366.6m, up 18%. Brazil was among the fastest growing markets – up 50% to £75.7m, reported SWA. India is now the seventh biggest market by value for Scotch whisky in Asia – worth £35.3m. However, Scotch whisky only accounts for 1.5 million cases out of some 140 million cases whisky market in India. Reason? High tariffs, which is still a matter of concern and under negotiation between the EU and the Indian government.

Special Feature - Bottled Water the Elixir of India

Whisky and water with ice is perhaps one of the most sought after drink in India. Popular liquor brands have brand extensions of water and some companies like UB have made their Kingfisher brand of water among the top brands in the water industry.

Bottled water is being dubbed as the oil industry and could be the focus of attention by 2025. India with its vast population and a rising middle class, is seeing a spurt in demand which is shrinking supply. The market for bottled water is growing rapidly too because often it is a necessity if you want to have access to clean drinking water.

Special Feature - The Water Theory by Shatbhi Basu

The first woman mixologist of India and Owner of Creative Consultants, Shatbhi Basu recently conducted a session on whisky and water. It was part of the event organised by Mulshi Springs & Luthra Water Systems Pvt. Ltd. Michael Mascha - the water sommelier was the chief guest. Shatbhi shares how different waters may enhance or destroy the integrity of a whisky’s flavour profile.

I’ve always had an issue with water. Used to the flavour of rain water from the lakes around Mumbai – my palate refused to accept the myriad others from cities across the country and indeed, around the world too, on occasion. The supposed “mineral waters” caused me the most pain – until I had to admit to myself that for all the hoo-ha I made about having a reasonable discerning palate working with wines, spirits and the like, I probably wasn’t refined enough to appreciate fine water.

Special Feature - Hopeful in 2012

Here we are, into yet another "new" year. There’s a bit of a nip still there, giving us a glimmer of hope that February will stay cool. It is a time for pondering on the year gone by and what the new one may have to offer. In liquid cheer of course! SO, will the New Year hold promise? Will it ring in cheer? Will kindred souls sing joyous odes to welcome new arrivals?

I am obviously getting ahead of myself, almost willing the doomsday pundits (prophets) to go into hibernation. Ensconce myself within this euphoric bubble which allows me to believe that the powers that be will see the light. That duty will go down at the centre. That state excise will exercise restraint and see sense. Last year strangled were both the alcoholic beverage trade and hospitality industry. Sales dipped across the board and consumers regressed to down grading. Raising the drinking age from 21 to 25 in Maharashtra was meant to curb young people and arrest the drinking cycle. Did it really work? Now they drink in cars, at farm houses, hostels, friend’s pads…They’re drinking more at one go as they’re not sure of the next opportunity. A sure road to increase cases of drunk driving.

Product Prenouncement - Pernod Ricard Rolls Out Two New Whiskies

With the launch of Blenders Pride Reserve Collection and Royal Stag Barrel Select whiskies, as extensions of two of its most successful brands Blenders Pride and Royal Stag, Pernod Ricard India continues to build on its portfolio of brands.

The two new brands are already available in select markets in three regions - North, West and East from mid-December 2011. A progressive national roll-out will follow over the next few months.

Winning And Dinning - YAUATCHA The Dim Sum Tea House

The first international outlet of the London based Michelin starred Dim Sum Tea House – Yauatcha opened its doors to the gourmet lovers in Mumbai recently. This is the second Michelin Starred restaurant brought into India by KA Restaurants Pvt. Ltd after Hakkasan.

It would not be appropriate to draw a comparison between Hakkasan and Yauatcha but we cannot help notice the stark similarities and differences. While both are stylish, elegant and have the same presentation, pricing of the food items as well as drinks seem more affordable at Yauatcha as it positions itself as a dim sum tea house Located in the financial hub of Mumbai – Bandra Kurla Complex, the place rightly targets the affluent financial and banking clientele as well as the consulates that have shifted their office to this western suburb.

Winning And Dinning - Sicily Island of Wines

Regional Institute of Vine and Wine (IRVV), Sicily, the Indian Wine Academy (IWA) and Michele Shah SRL recently organised a great evening with the finest wines from Sicily. The event was held in four major cities - Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune, where the organisers took some selective members from the press, importers and F&B Managers through a journey of one of the major wine growing regions in the world-Sicily. Rojita Tiwari reports.

The ‘Master Class on Sicily - soil, terroir and wines’ was first of its kind in India as the experts and consultants of Italian wines took us through various wine growing regions of Sicily, some of its great wines and grape varietals. The tasting included wines from nine producers, a chardonnay and grillo blend Spumante, two white wines, a Rose, four red wines and a dessert wine.