Fresh issue proceeds earmarked for expansion and repayment/prepayment of borrowings
With its registered office at New Delhi- Alcobrew Distilleries India Ltd, the maker of whisky brands such as White & Blue and Golfer’s Shot, has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for a proposed initial public offering (IPO). The IPO consists of a fresh issue of equity shares aggregating ₹258.26 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 18 million shares by promoter Romesh Pandita, the founder and chairman of the company. The equity shares carry a face value of ₹10 each. Other promoters include Veena Pandita and the Romesh Pandita Family Trust. According to the DRHP, Alcobrew plans to utilise the net proceeds from the fresh issue for business expansion, Repayment/prepayment of borrowings, and general corporate purposes. As per regulatory guidelines, 50% of the issue will be reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), 15% for non-institutional investors (NIIs), and 35% for retail investors. Founded in 2002, Alcobrew Distilleries was converted into a public limited company in 2022. The Company manufactures, markets, and sells a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including whisky, vodka, and rum. Its brand portfolio spans premium and mass-market offerings such as Golden circle, Golfer’s Shot (premium whisky), White & Blue (blended whisky), White Hills (regular whisky), and One More (vodka). The company operates manufacturing units in Solan (Himachal Pradesh) and Dera Bassi (Punjab) with integrated distillation and bottling facilities. It has also built a robust distribution network supported by contract manufacturing arrangements, giving it a strong pan-India presence. In addition to domestic operations, Alcobrew has been expanding its global footprint. The company currently exports to countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East,. It continues to scout new overseas markets to strengthen its position among India’s emerging liquor exporters. On the financial front, Alcobrew reported consolidated revenue of ₹1,615.01 crore in FY25, compared to ₹1,640.11 crore in FY24 and ₹1,216.87 crore in FY23. Its profit after tax (PAT) rose to ₹69.45 crore in FY25, up from ₹62.55 crore in FY24 and ₹52.30 crore in FY23. India’s alcoholic beverages market has been witnessing strong growth, fuelled by rising disposable incomes, premiumisation, and evolving consumer tastes. Industry experts believe Alcobrew’s diverse brand portfolio, integrated operations, and growing international presence position it well to tap this demand. Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors is the book-running lead manager to the issue, while KFin Technologies will act as the registrar.
If you’ve been following Ambrosia then you would know that Bar Swap’s are a new trend in the country.
And DEWAR’S in its new campaign is banking on that. Their new initiative Here’s to the Story, opens with a unique Bar Swap between SOKA in Bengaluru and LAIR in Gurugram, where two mixologists from SOKA will bring their signature cocktails to Delhi for a one-night takeover.
The campaign will run under the larger umbrella of DEWAR’S Discoveries, a series of activations designed to encourage exploration through flavour, storytelling, and shared experiences. Each event will highlight regional nuances in cocktails, food, and culture, creating opportunities for audiences to engage with Scotch in fresh contexts.
Actor Randeep Hooda has also joined the campaign, bringing his perspective on discovery and storytelling. From flavours rooted in India to experiences abroad, his collaboration highlights the cultural and sensory layers the campaign aims to explore.
Over the coming months, the Bar Swap format and other activations will travel to key cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, each edition introducing local elements and new interpretations of Scotch.
So keep an eye out for the dates for these curated experiences.
Laphroaig Islay single malt, has announced its global partnership with actor, Willem Dafoe. The first of its kind in the distillery’s history, the campaign includes a short film titled ‘The Taste’, global advertising, a bespoke cocktail creation and tease of a limited-edition whisky.
The collaboration marks the latest instalment in the brand’s ‘Unphorgettable’ campaign, which was launched in 2024 and celebrates the unmistakable flavour of this whisky.
‘The Taste’ brings to life Dafoe’s search to define Laphroaig’s taste —something he can’t quite put his finger on. It draws inspiration from components in Dafoe’s life and his thirst for immersing himself to get a taste of experiences, including the attempt, as a child, to get a sense of flying to space by remaining in a wardrobe for two days. With this individual and curious style, Dafoe seeks the words to describe the bold single malt, and recites humorous descriptions submitted by some of the whisky’s biggest fans —Friends of Laphroaig.
The film and full campaign will be shared globally across channels, with a focus on digital and paid social. This will be reinforced with out of home, print, PR and in-store promotions in key markets, including the US, UK, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Japan, Australia and Global Travel Retail.
Chris Richardson, Managing Director of Suntory Global Spirits, Scotch and Irish, said, “Willem Dafoe is bold, curious, and impossible to define, much like Laphroaig itself. His uncompromising dedication to craft mirrors our own approach to whisky making. He is the ideal partner to bring to life the intense, unmistakable, and truly ‘unphorgettable’ flavour of Laphroaig, and to celebrate those around the world with character as distinctive as his.”
Speaking on the inspiration behind the film, Dafoe said, “The first time I ever travelled overseas, I went to Scotland. I was a kid, and the first thing I thought when my feet touched down on the ground was, something feels familiar here. I feel at home. The land spoke to me, and it must be genetic because my grandmother was from Glasgow. ‘The Taste’ depicts that sort of familiarity that’s found when exploring Laphroaig. It’s the flavours and how they come together.”
Laphroaig has also enlisted award-winning mixologist, Meaghan Dorman, to create a cocktail, named ‘The Other Island’. It blends Laphroaig 10-Year-Old, fresh pineapple, lemon, spiced cinnamon syrup and Amaro Ciociaro, with a touch of prosecco, to create a smoky, tropical and gently spiced spritz, balancing Laphroaig’s familiar character with layered flavours. The cocktail will be available first to guests at The Barley Mow pub in Mayfair, London, being renamed ‘The Barley Dafoe’ for campaign launch, before appearing on menus in additional select bars worldwide.
This Dafoe partnership will also extend to a limited-edition product collaboration, set for release in 2026. Together with Sarah Dowling, Senior Whisky Maker for Laphroaig, Dafoe has developed a limited-edition, that is quietly maturing, steeped in the peat, smoke, salt and the surprising sweetness that infuses all Laphroaig whiskies.
Moët Hennessy India has appointed Siddharth Suri as its Managing Director for India. The appointment comes at time when Moët Hennessy India is looking at its journey to accelerates its growth ambitions and strengthens its leadership in the country’s rapidly evolving luxury wines and spirits market.
In his new role, Siddharth will be in-charge of the company’s portfolio in India, which includes Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Belvedere, Chandon and Volcan. He will be responsible for shaping the company’s long-term growth strategy, driving consumer-centric innovation, and deepening the cultural resonance of Moët Hennessy’s brands with India’s new generation of luxury consumers, whilst building on the company’s legacy of excellence and innovation. Siddharth has worked with Moët Hennessy India earlier as the Sales Director for India and South Asia (Domestic and Travel Retail).
Speaking on the new leadership appointment Anne Claire Delamarre, President, Asia Pacific, shared, “India is a market of immense potential, with a new generation of consumers embracing luxury, craftsmanship, and global experiences in unique ways. We are deeply committed to continuously expanding our presence here, and Siddharth’s appointment reflects that ambition. His strong leadership, proven track record, and deep understanding of both Moët Hennessy and the Indian consumer landscape make him ideally placed to lead our next phase of growth in this exciting market.”
Speaking on his appointment, Siddharth Suri said, “It is an honour to return to Moët Hennessy India at such an exciting inflection point. India is one of the most dynamic luxury markets in the world today, and I look forward to leading the transformation of the company into its next chapter of growth. By building stronger consumer engagement, customer connections, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable business practices, we will continue to set new benchmarks for Moët Hennessy in India.”
With over 24 years of extensive experience in the FMCG and Wines & Spirits industries, Siddharth brings proven expertise in business transformation, market development, and scaling high-performing teams across domestic, travel retail, and international markets. He has held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo, Pernod Ricard, Moët Hennessy, Diageo, and most recently The Coca-Cola Company (HCCB), where he pioneered the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages category in India, shaping an entirely new consumer segment.
With over 1,000 direct Scotch industry jobs lost since last Budget, and polling showing the majority back a reduction in the tax burden on Scotch, sector bosses say to the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer: “now is the time” to back Scotch Whisky.
Chancellor RachelReeves
The Chancellor has been asked to give a lifeline to distillers in the Autumn Budget as the Scotch Whisky industry revealed there have been massive job losses since a further rise in spirits duty at the last Budget. Over 1,000 direct Scotch industry jobs have been lost since the last Budget, 2.7% of all those directly employed by the sector. And as the industry braces for more bad news in the coming budget, expected in November, as Rachel Reeves seeks to plug a black hole in the nation’s finances.
The double whammy of 14% in duty rises over the last two years alone—alongside tariffs in the United States—have left Scotch distillers saying they will reduce investment and see further job losses if taxes once again rise at the Budget this autumn: Industry sentiment surveys (Feb-June 2025) show three in four Scotch whisky distillers expect to defer or move investment outside the UK due to high duty rates; One in four distillers anticipate job cuts directly linked to 14% duty hike over last two years—many of these jobs will be lost in some of the most fragile economic areas in the country, in rural and island communities; About 76% of distillers warn that further increases in duty would reduce likelihood of capital investment or recruitment; Industry is already suffering from losses of £4m a week due to US tariffs.
Starmer had previously wooed the sector, saying before last year’s general election (in November 2023): “It’s clear Scotland’s whisky industry isn’t getting the stability it needs from the Tories and the SNP. Labour will put growth at the heart of our government and back Scotch producers to the hilt.”
In a Survation Poll commissioned in November 2024, shortly after Chancellor Rachel Reeves further increased duty on Scotch Whisky, 66% said they believed that the tax rise had broken the commitment made by the Prime Minister.
“The high tax burden is something the government can take action on… Now is the time,” said Billy Walker, master distiller at Glenallachie Distillery, Speyside.
Commenting on the pressures facing the sector today, Billy Walker, added, “I’ve been in the industry for more than 50 years and rarely, if ever, has there been a time of such peril to the long story of Scotch—tariffs overseas coupled with increasing tax and regulation in our home market.
“Some of the challenges the industry faces the government can’t address, and we accept that. But the high tax burden is something the government can take action on. It is often quoted back to me what the prime minister said, that he would back us to the hilt. Well, now is the time—and the Autumn Budget is the moment.”
Whisky bosses are set to lay out the stark future the sector faces to Treasury mandarins in the coming weeks in the hope the PM and his Chancellor keep their promise to back the sector.
Barry O’Sullivan, UK Managing Director, Diageo
Barry O’Sullivan, UK Managing Director of FTSE 100 spirits giant Diageo, said, “We urge the Chancellor to support Scotch, a historic, UK homegrown industry that not only supports thousands of jobs, but flies the flag for the UK on quality and craftsmanship around the world.”
Mark Kent, Scotch Whisky Association Chief Executive
Scotch Whisky Association Chief Executive Mark Kent said, “Distillers are right to raise the alarm. Job losses and cancelled investment is the same story we hear right across the industry as a direct result of the high domestic tax burden. We know that this will need to be a revenue raising budget, and the only way the Chancellor can do that through alcohol duty is to reduce the tax burden on Scotch whisky and other spirits. That is self-evident from the government’s own economic data, showing tax rises over the past two years have lost the Treasury over £600m in revenue.”
The industry’s case to the PM and Chancellor will include highlighting hospitality businesses’ dependence on Scotch and other spirits for their own future. Industry figures show 38% of the profits made by bars and restaurants come from spirits.
Matt Macpherson, owner and operator of The Malt Rooms in Inverness
Matt Macpherson, owner and operator of The Malt Rooms in Inverness said, “Pubs and bars like mine cannot sustain themselves on beer sales alone. While beer plays a role in our overall offer, it is not the core of our business model. However, the current alcohol duty regime appears to disproportionately favour beer, placing venues like ours—where premium spirits, especially Scotch whisky, are central—at a disadvantage?”
And Leon Thompson, Executive Director – Scotland, UK Hospitality added, “Those who visit our hospitality venues want to see a diverse selection of cocktails and serves. Spirits like Scotch whisky are a crucial part of that mix, and for the economic viability of our pubs and bars.
“Our hospitality sector is hurting in the face of rising business and employment costs, and we know action is necessary to stem the significant job losses the sector has already seen. With spirits accounting for 38% of a venues’ alcohol profits, action to freeze excise duty would be a welcome help.
At the same time, the sector will highlight that while spirit duties have risen by 14 per cent in just two years, the Office for Budget Responsibility was forced to admit that excise duty collected was £676m lower than expected.
New research from the Scotch Whisky Association shows that versus an RPI increase, forecasts show a freeze of spirits duty would generate an additional £122mn revenue for the Government in 2026/27, cumulative additional £1.03bn tax raised over four years.
Monin has launched PURE, a refreshing, no-added-sugar range designed not just for the health-conscious, but for every culinary and beverage creator. Available pan-India in four natural flavours—Mint, Red Fruits, Green Apple, and Peach Apricot, PURE is crafted with fruit and plant-based extracts, offering a clean taste that’s versatile across cocktails, mocktails, cold brews, iced teas, smoothies, and even desserts. The four flavours are available in 700ml bottles, priced at `955 each in retail.
The launch comes at a pivotal moment, as India sees rising demand for low- and no-sugar drinks. According to NielsenIQ, this category doubled in 2024 to ₹700–750 crore and now makes up 10% of the beverage market. PURE reflects this shift, offering natural flavour without added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or colourants, in line with the growing preference for healthier choices.
“India’s food and beverage culture is evolving rapidly, and with PURE, we are giving bartenders, chefs, baristas, and home creators the freedom to innovate without compromise. PURE offers a solution that blends our expertise in flavour with the rising need for healthier options. Consumers today are seeking authenticity and transparency, and with PURE, we’re proud to deliver a range that reflects those values while staying true to Monin’s global standards of taste and quality,” says Germain Araud, Managing Director, Monin India.
Monin has been present in India since 1999, establishing a direct subsidiary in 2019. Today, the country is one of Monin’s most strategic markets. It has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Telangana (operational by March 2026) that will serve both India and neighbouring South Asian countries. It has a local R&D centre dedicated to tailoring flavours for Indian preferences and trends. Monin has Studios in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru—creative hubs where bartenders, chefs, and baristas experiment, learn, and share ideas. The company has a robust network of 150+ distributors, 300+ sub-distributors, and importers nationwide, ensuring broad availability.
The PURE Flavour Range comprises Mint – A crisp, cooling herbal lift, balanced for iced teas, chilled drinks, and dairy blends; Red Fruits – Juicy berry and stone fruit notes with bright acidity, perfect for spritzes, smoothies, and plated desserts; Green Apple – Fresh, tangy, and lightly floral, ideal for sodas, mocktails, or even sorbets and Peach Apricot -Soft stone fruit, rounded with floral top notes, shines in iced teas, bellinis, yoghurt drinks, and pastry glazes.
Tilaknagar Industries, India’s largest brandy maker, expands its premium offering in Karnataka
98% of brandy consumption concentrated in South India
Monarch Legacy Edition, the first luxury brandy from Tilaknagar Industries Ltd., has been launched in Karnataka, one of India’s key brandy markets. First introduced in November 2024, Monarch is already available in Maharashtra, Goa, and Pondicherry, making Karnataka its fourth market.
In a country where brandy makes up over 22% of total spirits consumption by volume, second only to whisky, 98% of this demand comes from South India, with Karnataka playing a key role. From Bengaluru’s thriving cocktail scene to the long-standing appreciation for the spirit across the state, Karnataka is no stranger to brandy.
Amit Dahanukar, Chairman & Managing Director, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd., commented, “South India has always had a deep connection with brandy, and Karnataka has been a key part of that. Our flagship Mansion House Brandy has been loved here for decades. With Monarch Legacy Edition, we are introducing something new for both loyal and curious consumers—a more refined, expressive take on Indian brandy that reflects evolving tastes, while staying true to TI’s legacy and over 40 years of brandy-making expertise.”
Earlier this year, Monarch Legacy Edition became the only Indian brandy to win at two of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, taking home Gold at the World Drinks Awards 2025 and Bronze at the London Spirits Competition.
Sanaya Dahanukar, Marketing Manager, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd., added, “Karnataka is one of the most exciting markets for spirits right now as there is a huge interest in quality, craft, and new experiences. We have seen a great response to Monarch Legacy Edition in our other markets, and we are excited to see how it’s received here. It’s a great sipping spirit, but what surprises a lot of people is how well it works in cocktails too. We are looking forward to seeing it find its place on menus across the state, for consumers looking for something new in the luxury space.”
Monarch is the 100% pure grape brandy made from a blend of French grape spirits aged up to eight years and Indian grape spirits from Maharashtra’s Sahyadri region. Distilled in traditional copper pot stills and matured in French oak ex-wine casks, Monarch combines the finesse of Cognac-making with the character of Indian terroir. The same care has gone into how Monarch is presented—from its beautiful decanter-style bottle to the deep navy and gold colour palette inspired by Indian royal heritage.
The Monarch Legacy Edition has 42.8% ABV and the price in Karnataka is ₹5,000 for 750 ml. The price in Maharashtra is ₹6,750; Goa ₹4,000 and Pondicherry ₹3,500.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Rich grape and fruit notes with subtle hints of apple, nutmeg, and tobacco.
Palate: Velvety sweetness balanced by creamy oak and indulgent dried fruits.
Finish: Long and warm with cinnamon, peach, and clove nuances.
Debuting in Karnataka, India’s first crafted sparkling cocktail RTD
Misfit by Grover Vineyards has unveiled the perfect fuel to spark a bold new wave of self-expression. Making its debut in Karnataka, Misfit is India’s first crafted sparkling cocktail RTD. Misfit has four striking flavours: classics like Mimosa and Cranberry, and new ones like Kir Royale and Kalimotxo.
Born from the recipes of Grover Vineyards, Misfit cocktail spritzers have caps which open with a twist. Blended with natural fruit flavours, high-quality grapes, and the finest ingredients, Misfit spritzers are designed to delight the senses. Each variant offers a crisp refreshment with a fruit-forward balance.
“We noticed a rush to conform, whether it’s chasing the latest fashion microtrend or using the same trending audio just to ace the algorithm. That’s precisely why we created Misfit: a spritzer that cuts through the conformity and encourages consumers to embrace their individuality. Misfit also makes exploring spritzers genuinely fun, especially when it’s often seen as something intimidating. It’s truly for the trendsetters, the rebels and everyone who confidently makes their own rules,” said Sumit Jaiswal, Chief Operating Officer of Grover Vineyards.
With its debut in Karnataka paving the way for a nationwide rollout, Misfit is set to shake things up further with even more flavours on the horizon.
Geist Brewing Co., South India’s first distribution craft brewery, has launched Geist Repeat Strong, a full-flavoured Export-style Craft Lager. With this release, Geist Brewing Co. expands its flagship packaged range of 500ml cans from four to five beers, reinforcing its commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality craft options available across retail outlets and on tap at select locations. Currently available in Bengaluru at `210, the beer is slated to roll out in Pondicherry, Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut and Kolkata soon.
“At Geist Brewing Co., our mission has always been to make true-to-style craft beer available and accessible to as many appreciating customers as we can. Globally, craft lagers are capturing renewed interest for their balance, depth, and drinkability—qualities Geist Brewing Co. has championed since day one. As pioneers in India’s craft beer movement, Geist Repeat Strong augments our beer portfolio with a craft lager that is approachable and sessionable, celebrating the growing worldwide appreciation for authentic, flavour-forward lagers,” said Narayan Manepally, Founder and CEO, Geist Brewing Co.
Geist Repeat Strong is an interpretation of the German Helles Exportbier. “Geist Repeat Strong exhibits the style diversity in lagers. It’s bold on alcohol and has a distinct balance between malts, hops and finish. These attributes come together in a very unchallenging way, making it very drinkable,” said Vidya Kubher, Head Brewer, Geist Brewing Co.
The Geist Repeat Strong can label design aligns with the core thought of ‘Every day we win‘ visually embodying triumph that speaks to everyone. The vibrant gold tones project positivity, energy, and an approachable optimism, inviting craft beer enthusiasts to celebrate life’s small victories without hesitation. The detailed malt-and-hop illustrations pay homage to the malt blends, hops and yeast used in the beer with deep respect for the Export heritage.
Molson Coors Beverage Company announced the appointment of Rahul Goyal, Chief Strategy Officer, to succeed Gavin Hattersley as President and CEO of the company. Rahul will assume the role and become a member of Molson Coors’ Board of Directors effective October 1, 2025. Gavin will remain in an advisory role until the end of 2025 to help ensure a smooth transition.
During his 24-year career at Molson Coors, Rahul has driven many of the company’s most successful recent ventures, serving in executive roles across information technology, finance and strategy. He started in Golden, Colorado at Coors Brewing Company and has held several global leadership roles such as chief information officer for Molson Coors in the UK and chief financial officer for Molson Coors in India.
Most recently as chief strategy officer, Rahul has focused on expanding the company’s portfolio in meaningful ways to reach more consumers during more occasions. Further, Rahul has driven the company’s beyond beer ambition by building successful partnerships with The Coca-Cola Company and Fever-Tree and leading the acquisitions of ZOA and Naked Life. Rahul also managed the commercial operations of Coors Distributing Company and played a key role in the management of The Yuengling Company, Molson Coors’ joint venture with D.G. Yuengling and Son.
“Rahul has delivered meaningful growth in new spaces for the company thanks to his ability to build partnerships that align with the company’s strategic priorities,” said Board Vice-Chair Geoff Molson. “On top of that, he leads with authenticity and integrity and has built deep trust both inside and outside of Molson Coors, while igniting passion around our transformation journey,” said Board Chair David Coors.
“I am honoured to take on the CEO role and lead this company towards its next chapter of growth,” said Goyal. I’m ready to take on both the opportunities and the challenges ahead of us knowing that we have the brands, the people and the passion to deliver on our ambitions, he added.
The Board of Directors expressed deepest appreciation to Gavin for having accelerated the business growth.
