Category Archives: news

Campari picks up minority stake in ODC (BidCo)

Campari Group has completed the acquisition from ODC (BidCo) Limited of a 14.6% minority stake in Capevin Holdings Proprietary Limited, the South African holding company indirectly owning, in particular, 100% of CVH Spirits Limited, a Scottish company operating in the production and commercialisation of renowned Single Malt Whiskies Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Tobermory and Ledaig, and Blended Whiskies Scottish Leader and Black Bottle.

Campari Group also holds distribution rights for brands from CVH Spirits Limited portfolio in France and South Korea. In accordance with Capevin Holdings Proprietary Limited’s memorandum of incorporation, Campari Group has exercised its right to appoint a board member and has additional governance rights to protect its minority position. The purchase price paid amounted to GBP 69.6 million (corresponding to €82.6 million at the exchange rate of the transaction date). The transaction was financed using available cash.

Diageo Begins Trial of the First Paper-Based Bottle for Johnnie Walker

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first-of-its-kind 90% paper-based bottle for Johnnie Walker Black Label
Running exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 bar, in Edinburgh

The makers of Guinness, Don Julio Tequila and Smirnoff Vodka has launched on a trial basis the first-of-its-kind 90% paper-based bottle for Johnnie Walker Black Label exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 bar, in Edinburgh.

Created in partnership with PA Consulting, as part of the Bottle Collective with PA and PulPac, this is Diageo’s first paper-based 70cl bottle trial in the on-trade. The trial began on September 25^th of this year and is expected to assess how bartenders interact with and pour from the bottle, and how the bottle fares in a bar environment. A total of 250 paper-based bottles are being for the trial period which is expected to run until mid-October 2024.

Diageo said that members of the public will be able to see the bottles in use behind the bar, however they cannot purchase the bottle. This will be the second paper-based bottle trial from Diageo and PA, following the success of the Baileys paper-based bottle mini format (80ml) trial, using a similar Dry Molded Fiber innovation at the Time Out Festival in Barcelona earlier this year.

Diageo said that the design team had taken learnings from the technical aspects of the miniature format, to make a larger and more complex shape for Johnnie Walker. The bottle’s design retains the iconic square shape of Johnnie Walker Black Label, whilst enhancing the premium appeal with unique facets cut into the sides of the bottle and embossing of the Striding Man on the bottle and closure.

Paper Bottle is about 60% lighter

The trial bottle is made from 90% paper and a very thin plastic liner. The innovative technology makes the paper-based bottle approximately 60% lighter, with initial external life cycle analysis on the prototype showing an up to 47% potential reduction in carbon emissions compared to the Johnnie Walker Black Label glass bottle equivalent. The bottle closure was developed in collaboration with PulPac, Setop DIAM and PA and is made from a unique combination of cork and similar Dry Molded Fiber paper technology as the bottle. It is only intended for use during the trial and excluded from calculations.

The Johnnie Walker Black Label paper-based bottle for this test is designed considering recyclability among other aspects. The plastic liner is designed to not require consumer or bartender disassembly, as it is not attached or bonded to the outer paper layer, assisting recycling facilities to separate without disrupting the recycling process. The stopper used for trial purposes is not recyclable, however alternative solutions are in development. Throughout the trial and further development of the paper-based bottle, the recycling capability will be a key factor for future versions of the bottle as we continue to test, learn and develop.

Jamie Stone, Design and Innovation Expert at PA Consulting, adds: “These bottles break new ground in packaging design and shows the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions.”

Beyond paper-based solutions, the brand recently introduced Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra, the word’s lightest whisky glass bottle, weighing just 180g without the stopper. The design featured a unique teardrop shape, lattice stopper, and bamboo frame to bring luxury and simplicity together. While Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra is a design experiment, the insights gained will guide future glass light-weighting initiatives across the Diageo portfolio.

These latest innovations form part of Diageo’s ambition to reduce its carbon footprint by exploring new packaging formats, including the launch of a 70cl aluminum spirits bottle with Baileys, a global licensing agreement with circular economy technology company ecoSPIRITS, and removing the cardboard gift boxes in its premium Scotch portfolio to reduce excess packaging.

Bacardí launches Mango Chilli sweet and spicy flavour

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Reinventing one of the classic favourite flavours of the Indian summer, Bacardí recently announced its latest flavoured rum expression – the Bacardí Mango Chilli in India. This new offering combines the vibrant zest of freshly cut mango with the fiery kick of chilli, delivering a unique and disruptive flavour combination that resonates strongly with the Indian palate. Bacardí Mango Chilli is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavours – tangy raw mango and succulent ripe mango notes, complemented by the warm spice of chilli.

In the global spirits industry, flavoured rums have become increasingly popular, offering consumers new and exciting ways to experience the spirit. The introduction of Bacardí Mango Chilli is a testament to Bacardí’s commitment to creating distinctive flavours that cater to these evolving tastes. Bacardí remains dedicated to keeping the consumer at the centre of its innovation, with a deep understanding of the versatility of rum as a spirit and the growing consumer appetite for experimentation with flavours. By blending familiar and bold flavours, Bacardí not only enhances the rum-drinking experience, but also opens up new avenues and occasions for consumers to enjoy and explore the versatility of rum.

Bacardí Mango Chilli offers a medley of flavours that makes it the perfect drink, whether enjoyed as a chilled shot or as an exciting new twist on classic cocktails to captivate consumers seeking unique drinking experiences.

Ashish Jha, Brand Lead, Bacardí India said, “We’re delighted to be introducing Bacardí Mango Chilli to the Indian market. As a brand, Bacardí is committed to constantly innovating in new and exciting directions while keeping consumers at the heart of all that we do. India’s long-standing love affair with the mango inspired us to bring Bacardí Mango Chilli to India, to offer our consumers a novel drinking experience that captures some of the most iconic and widely loved Indian flavours. The spirits’ unique sweet and spicy flavour profile can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, right from a shot to a wide range of tasty and refreshing cocktails, and we’re sure that it will resonate strongly with Indian consumers and open up new occasions to enjoy the spirit.”Bacardí Mango Chilli will be available across the country, in the markets of Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tripura, Orissa, Meghalaya, Assam, UP, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Pricing will vary as per market excise for a standard 750ml bottle across India.

John Distilleries invests Rs. 100 crore in Goa plant expansion

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John Distilleries Ltd has invested ₹100 crores in the expansion of its Goa distillery. With demand growing for Paul John Single Malt whisky in both domestic and international markets, the company has added capacity taking to 3 million litres annually from 1.5 million litres.

John Distilleries Ltd (JDL) is stepping up exports and exploring newer global markets for its Paul John Single Malt (PJSM) whiskey, the company said in a statement. Presently, Paul John is exported to over 50 countries. The company said it will be soon launching new variants of the whiskies starting October this year. The company which has distilleries across 12 locations with an overall production of 24 million cases annually, is firming up plans to roll out premium rums and vodka.

John Distilleries Chairman Paul P. John said, “We have almost tripled the capacity of our Goa distillery, from 1.3 million litres to 3 million litres annually. We invested around ₹100 crore in this expansion which will help us in meeting growing demand for PJSM whiskeys in global and domestic markets.”

According to industry estimates, in 2023-24, JDL exported close to 30,000 cases of PJSM whiskey to over 50 countries such as the US, France, UAE and Japan. In the domestic market, the spirits maker sold around 72,000 PJSM whiskey cases.

Prashant Kishor, if elected, will remove prohibition in Bihar in an hour

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Prashant Kishor Pandey, political strategist and tactician, who has formed his own political outfit ‘Jan Suraaj’ on October 2, 2022 has promised to lift the ban on liquor in Bihar if his party came to power in the State Assembly elections to be held in 2025.

Prashant Kishor vowed to the lift the ban ‘within an hour’ if his party won the elections. “We have been preparing for the last two years. If the Jan Suraaj government is formed, we will end the liquor ban within one hour,” he told a news agency.

Prohibition in force since 2016

The present Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar first imposed total prohibition in 2016 and that really hasn’t helped the state of Bihar as the number of deaths due to illicit liquor crossed 200 and 30 cases have been filed without any conviction. And we have the infamous statement of Nitish Kumar who said ‘Jo sharab piyega, woh marega hi’ (one who drinks liquor, will surely die).

In 2015 before coming to power in his election rally he had promised to introduce prohibition. When he came to power he said, “My government is committed to fulfilling promises made to women during the election campaign. There was a surge of complaints from women about male members of the family resorting to drinking and creating nuisance, which also affected the education of their children. Though the excise department can earn ₹4,000 crore per year, we have to think in terms of public interest and take this decision.” However, there have been instances from states where prohibition has been in place that it really is counterproductive, giving rise to illegal trade and illicit liquor and the consequent deaths.

Undeterred by such opinion, the Bihar Government on December 21, 2015, issued a gazette notification, introducing a New Excise Policy to curb the menace of alcoholism and vices related to it. The notification provided for prohibition of country liquor within the State of Bihar from April 1, 2016. Accordingly in order to achieve the desired objectives of Prohibition, The Bihar Excise Act ,1915 was amended and Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016 was promulgated and from April 5, it imposed total prohibition.

Consequently, the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016 was notified on 2nd of October 2016, the preamble of which provides thus: “To enforce, implement and promote complete Prohibition of liquor and intoxicants in the territory of the State of Bihar and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Whereas it is expedient to provide for a uniform law relating to Prohibition and regulation of liquor and intoxicants, the levy of duties thereon and punishment for the violation of law in the State of Bihar.”

Prohibition has not helped State

However, prohibition has not helped the state which has lost over 200 lives, besides revenues that come from excise. The worst part is that there has not been a single conviction in any of the cases so far. Thirteen people who were convicted in March 2021 in the 2016 Gopalganj hooch tragedy by a lower court were acquitted by the Patna High Court.

In such a scenario, Nitish Kumar has made several amendments to the anti-liquor law but that really has not helped the illegal activities. On March 30, 2022, the Bihar Prohibition and Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was passed by the legislature, and the bill amended the 2016 Act. The Bill was introduced to expedite trial in the courts and to focus on punishing illegal suppliers and traders of liquor, instead of persons consuming it. The government decided to allow the release of vehicles impounded for transporting liquor after the payment of only 10% of its insurance cover, instead of the 50% required earlier, the rationale for this is inexplicable.

Penalty for consuming liquor

As per the amendment it introduced penalty for consuming liquor. The Act specifies the following as offences: (i) consuming liquor or intoxicant in any place, (ii) being found drunk, (iii) drinking and creating nuisance or violence, and (iv) facilitating drunkenness or allowing assembly of drunk persons in a house. The first two offences are punishable with a minimum fine of ₹50,000 for first-time offenders, or three months imprisonment in lieu of such fine. Repeat offenders are punishable with fine up to one lakh rupees, and imprisonment ranging from one to five years. The other two offences may be punished with fine of one lakh rupees to five lakh rupees, and five to ten years of imprisonment. The Bill only penalises persons who consume any intoxicant, or are found drunk or under the influence of an intoxicant. These offences are punishable with: (i) a fine in the first instance, and one month imprisonment in case of failure to pay fine, and (ii) additional fine or imprisonment, or both, in case of repeat offences. The state government will prescribe fines for the first instance of offence, and fines and imprisonment for repeat offenders.

Trial by Executive Magistrate

The Act said persons consuming alcohol, or found intoxicated, will be arrested and produced before the nearest Executive Magistrate (to be appointed by the state government in consultation with the High Court). The Magistrate will conduct a summary trial of such persons. The Executive Magistrate will exercise the powers of a Judicial Magistrate of the second class in such cases.

Consumption of liquor in a chemist shop

The Act provides separate punishment for persons consuming liquor in a chemist or druggist shop or dispensary. The Bill removes this provision.

Special Courts

Under the Act, all offences are tried either by a Sessions Court or a Special Court. Special Courts may be appointed or designated by the state government. The Bill provides that all offences (except for consumption of liquor) will be tried by a Special Court. It requires every district to have at least one Special Court. Special Courts will only try offences under the Act, and must endeavour to complete the trial within one year from the date of submission of the charge sheet. Judges in these Courts must be appointed by the state government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court.

Timeline for investigation

The Act requires the excise officer or police officer to file the investigation report within 60 days of registration of the case. The Bill relaxes this timeline to 90 days in case of offences punishable with a minimum of ten years imprisonment or death.

Offences made compoundable

At present, all offences under the Act are non-compoundable. The Bill omits this provision, implying that offences under the Act may now be compounded. Compoundable offences are those which may be settled between parties.

Confiscation of items

If an offence has been committed under the Act, certain items (such as intoxicants, vehicles, and premises) may be confiscated in such a manner as prescribed. The Bill provides that such items may be confiscated by the Collector (District Magistrate) or any officer authorised by him, based on the report of the investigating officer.

Destruction of items

Under the Act, the Collector may order the sale or destruction of articles before their confiscation. This may be done if: (i) the article is subject to speedy and natural decay, is of nominal value, or can be put to misuse, or (ii) the sale would be in the public interest or for the benefit of the owner. As per the Bill, the Collector or an officer authorised by him may destroy items either without or after confiscation. Items may be destroyed if they: (i) may be misused, or (ii) are likely to endanger public safety.

Release of seized items

The Act empowers excise officers and police officers to enter, inspect, and search any place, and seize any document, intoxicant or other items of concern, when investigating offences. The Bill adds that items or premises used for committing an offence under the Act, which have been seized by such officers, will be released (except for reasons to be recorded in writing) on payment of a penalty notified by the state government. In case of non-payment of penalty, the seized items will be confiscated.

Production of arrested persons

The Act requires arrested persons to be produced before court within 24 hours. The Bill permits arrested persons to be produced before the Special Court, or the nearest Judicial Magistrate, either in person or through electronic video.The law has been criticised by the Supreme Court too. The former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana said that the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016 was made with a lack of foresight, and had led to clogging of the state’s courts. He said that 14-15 judges of the Patna High Court were kept busy each day with bail hearings in liquor cases.

Andhra Pradesh’s New Excise Policy; Retail Back with Private Players

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The Andhra Pradesh government led by N. Chandrababu Naidu on September 18 announced a new excise policy to come into effect from October 1, 2024, the highlights been retail sale by private players; availability of cheaper select brands starting from Rs. 99; setting up of premium liquor stores and expecting to generate revenue of Rs. 2,000 crore per year.

Reversing the decision of the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) run government, the TDP government has claimed that there was a revenue loss of Rs. 18,860.51 crores from 2019 to 2024 due to a skewed policy. The AP government has fixed price of affordable liquor at Rs 99. The allocation of licenses will be done through an online lottery, and four license categories have been fixed with fees ranging from Rs 50 lakh-Rs 85 lakhs.

In a white paper, released earlier, the TDP said that the non-availability of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) brands had resulted in an increase in sales of poor-quality brands and spurious substances. It may be mentioned that the YSRCP had promised prohibition in Andhra Pradesh in 2019, but only imposed restrictions on the liquor trade instead of complete prohibition.

Premium Liquor Stores To Get Nod

The new excise policy will be in force for two years. It will also allow for the setting up of premium liquor stores and alignment of liquor prices with Telangana and Karnataka. It also decided to reserve 10% retail outlets for toddy tappers and to open premium shops at 12 locations other than Tirupati.

The Minister for Information and Public Relations K Parthasarathi said the NDA alliance promised to bring an excise policy that ensures the quality of liquor at affordable price. He alleged several irregularities took place in the previous government in sale of liquor at every stage.

“The cabinet decided to adopt a private retail system for sale of liquor as part of an attempt to increase management efficiency. Of the 3,736 retail outlets in the state, 10 per cent will be allotted to the toddy-tappers community.”

The new government expects to generate additional excise revenues following the implementation of the policy. In fact, Andhra Pradesh had seen a gradual growth year-on-year in excise revenue, up from Rs 17,473 crore in 2019-20, escalated to Rs 23,785 crore in 2022-23 fiscal, even as the YSRCP government was working on reduction in the consumption of alcohol.

Reversing Previous Government Notification

The previous government in a notification in November 2023 had avowed policy of reduction in the consumption of alcohol levels in the State. In order to realize the objective, the Government had taken several measures such as removal of belt shops, dispensing with permit rooms, which are meant for consumption of liquor in the vicinity of shops, removal of private players from the retailing by shop etc.

YSRCP Had Reduced Shops By About 33%

Further, the A.P. State Beverages Corporation Limited had been granted exclusive privilege of retailing of IMFL and Foreign Liquor by the shop from the appointed date i.e. 01.10.2019. Further, the Government had reduced the number of shops to 2934 i.e. by about 33%. Keeping in view the policy imperative and after careful examination of the proposals submitted by the Commissioner of Distilleries and Breweries & Managing Director, the A.P. State Beverages Corporation Limited decided that it will continue the retailing of IMFL & FL through the retail outlets.

The licence period of the Shops shall be one year from 01.10.2023 to 30.09.2024 with the Commissioner of Prohibition & Excise empowered to renew the existing retail outlets run by the APSBCL under Rule 8 of the A.P. Excise (Grant of licence of selling by shop and conditions of licence) Rules, 2019 on payment of annual licence fee. The policy also said there will be no permission or renewal for shops on the road from Tirupathi Railway Station to Alipiri via RTC Bus Stand, Leelamahal circle, Nandi circle, Vishnu Nivasam, Srinivasam. Likewise, no Shop shall be permitted on the road from Leelamahal – Nandi circle – Alipiri – SVRR Hospital – SVIMS in Tirupathi Municipal Corporation area.

The APSBCL shall be permitted to establish walk-in shops (Elite Shops) in the State as per the requirement but without any change in the number of retail outlets permitted. The previous policy also mentioned that it would take up campaigns to educate the public on the evils of consumption of liquor and other intoxicants.

Allied Blenders and Distillers partner with actor Ranveer Singh for Luxury Spirit

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Ranveer Singh, Bollywood Superstar, will be an equity partner with Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABDL), in a new business venture to offer a portfolio of premium brands. ABDL announced their Board approving the formation on September 4, 2024.

**Kishore Chhabria, Owner and Non-Executive Chairman, ABD with Bollywood Actor Ranveer Singh**

‘I am delighted to partner with Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited’s unique initiative. This venture is not just about creating and offering premium and luxury spirits, but equally about realizing the aspirations of the Indian consumer. We’re blending world-class products, sourcing and craftsmanship with the rich, vibrant flavours of India, creating experiences that speak to people” said Ranveer Singh, Business and Creative Partner.

Apart from being a powerhouse of talent in the entertainment realm, Ranveer Singh has also emerged as a dynamic entrepreneur with his strategic business partnerships and investments.

“At ABDL, we have believed in the power of innovation. This new venture, with the major impact personality like Ranveer Singh, represents our commitment to bring together simply the best. With him as our business partner and a creative mentor, we are confident that our luxury products will resonate with consumers,” said Alok Gupta, Managing Director, Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited.

The creation of this would mark a strategic move for ABDL, allowing the new venture to focus on the world of luxury spirits, while retaining the existing core brands in ABDL itself. This business venture with Ranveer Singh in partnership will ensure quicker decision-making, nimble adaptation to market trends, and specialized marketing expertise for the luxury segments. In doing so, ABDL separates its mass-market products from its luxury offerings, elevating the value of each, according to the company press release. The entity will launch its own brands, partner with promising Indian start-ups, work with major international brands, and use the strong ABDL sales and manufacturing networks with clear go-to-market strategies.

Bengaluru’s bars, restaurants, clubs open till 1 am: Government

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The Karnataka Urban Development Department in a July 29 notification has extended the timings for bars, restaurants, clubs etc to 1 am from the earlier 11 am order, in the government’s bid to shore up revenues. The deadline extension notification by the Department is applicable to various categories of liquor licence-holders within the Bengaluru city corporation limits, including clubs, star hotels, boarding and lodging establishments. The new timings are not applicable to other parts of the State.

“So far, only bars and restaurants within the limits of the Commissionerate had permission to be open till 1 am. Now, all commercial establishments across the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the city’s civic body will remain open till 1 am,” the notification said.

Operational Hours for Licensed Establishments

As per the order, establishments with CL-4 (clubs), CL-6 (A) (star hotels), CL-7 (hotels and boarding houses), and CL-7D (hotels and boarding houses owned by individuals from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) licenses can now operate from 9 am to 1 am. Those holding CL-9 (refreshment room (bar)) licenses can operate from 10 am to 1 am.

Hotels Association Welcomes Move

The President of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association, P.C Rao, said, “This will help the public and aid in job creation. Henceforth, bars, restaurants, shops, and other establishments in Bengaluru will remain open till 1 am.” The extension of timings is expected to benefit the hospitality industry which has been lobbying for extended timelines, in sync with the city’s vibrant nightlife. The city which is bursting at its seams has a population of over 1.50 crore with about 50 lakh migrants and the central business district, a 10-km radius, is always buzzing with activity.

Liquor shops in rural areas

The Minister for Excise, R.B.Timmapur had mooted the proposal to grant licences to establish 400 liquor shops in rural areas across the state, but the Chief Minister had to drop the proposal, coming under fire for promoting liquor. The Opposition had termed the scheme as ‘Liquor Bhagya’ and demanded its withdrawal.

Bid to Shore up Excise Revenue

The Congress-I government in Karnataka, led by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has been constantly thinking of increasing revenues as it has to fulfil the five election promises it had made – Gruha Lakshmi (providing financial assistance to women heads of households), Gruha Jyothi (free electricity up to 200 units), Yuva Nidhi (unemployment allowance for graduates), Shakthi (free bus travel for women) and Anna Bhagya (10 kg rice free). The Congress (I) won the elections based on these promises and they used the same strategy in the Telangana polls where it won and in the Lok Sabha elections.

While presenting the Karnataka Budget for 2023-24, the Chief Minister had announced hike in additional excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer. While the government increased existing rates of additional excise duty on IMFL by 20 per cent on all 18 slabs, it also increased additional excise duty on beer from 175 per cent to 185 per cent. “Even after the increase in excise rates, the price of liquor in our state would be lower when compared to the neighbouring states,” the Chief Minister had said in the budget speech

For the 2024-25 financial year, the State has set an ambitious excise revenue target of Rs 38,525 crore. Up to January 2024, the State had collected Rs. 28,181 crores in excise revenue. “The revenue collection target for 2024-25 has been fixed at Rs. 38,525 crore,” the Chief Minister had announced.

Karnataka is considered among India’s top beer markets. As per reports, Karnataka consumes around 3.8 hectolitres of beer annually, roughly 11% of the national volume. The share of beer in excise revenue has gone up from Rs 2,438 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 4,460 crore in 2022- 23. The liquor industry is the first recourse the government takes to increase its revenues.

Karnataka hires Boston Consulting Group

In its bid to mobilise Rs. 50,000 crore to Rs. 60,000 crore annually to implement the five guarantees, besides funding development projects, the Karnataka Government has engaged the services of Boston Consulting Group to suggest ways and means to boost the state revenues. The Boston Consulting Group has been hired at a cost of Rs. 9.5 crores for a period of six months.

R.Chandrakanth

Govt Tightening Screws on Surrogate Advertising

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In a significant move aimed at curbing surrogate advertising, the government is poised to introduce a stricter set of regulations. Sources indicate that the new rules, expected to be announced this month, will adopt a more stringent approach towards the advertising of surrogate products.

Currently, brands extend surrogate advertising to promote their products—such as music CDs and mineral water—particularly during major sporting events like the World Cup. However, the Union Health Ministry has now approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), urging them to take proactive measures against surrogate advertising of tobacco and alcohol-related products by sportspersons. It remains unclear whether these measures will target individual players or entire teams, which often benefit from numerous sponsors within the alcobev industry.

The forthcoming regulations follow a report by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) highlighting violations by manufacturers in surrogate advertising. In response, an 11-member committee chaired by consumer affairs joint secretary Anupam Mishra was established. The new guidelines, falling under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, will outline permissible and prohibited practices for manufacturers engaging in surrogate advertising. These regulations will not only affect alcobev manufacturers but also industries such as tobacco and e-cigarettes.

A noteworthy aspect of the new rules is the expected requirement for manufacturers to regularly provide market reports on the sales volumes of their advertised products. While this policy is not entirely new, it is anticipated to be enforced more rigorously this time.

The introduction of these guidelines is particularly intriguing given that the alcobev industry is a significant contributor to the exchequer. With Indian alcobev manufacturers making strides on the global stage and gaining international recognition, the new regulations may slightly dampen their spirits. As the industry navigates these impending changes, it will be interesting to observe how it adapts and continues to thrive despite the tighter regulatory environment.

Suntory Holdings establishes Suntory India

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Names Masashi Matsumura as Managing Director

Suntory Holdings has announced the establishment of Suntory India Private Limited, which aims to cover corporate functions required to build a firm business foundation and accelerate growth in its existing spirits business and establish opportunities for soft drinks as well as health and wellness businesses in the Indian market. The new company will commence its operations in July.

“We are delighted to unveil a new base of Suntory Holdings in India, a country with a large population and a rapidly growing economy,” said Tak Niinami, President & CEO of Suntory Holdings. “India is a remarkably attractive market and a key geopolitical player on the global stage, with strong cultural and economic ties with Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Together with our spirits business, Suntory Global Spirits, we will enhance our presence as a multifaceted beverage company in this vital market by supporting our soft drinks and health & wellness businesses to build foundations in India through investments and partnerships.”

Suntory India will be headed by Managing Director, Masashi Matsumura with its office located in DLF Cyber City, Phase II, Gurgaon, Haryana.

The Group offers a diverse portfolio of products, from award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki and Hibiki, iconic American whiskies Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, canned ready-to-drink -196, The Premium Malt’s beer, Japanese wine Tomi, and the world-famous Château Lagrange. Its brand collection also includes non-alcoholic favourites Orangina, Lucozade, Oasis, BOSS coffee, Suntory Tennensui water, TEA+ OolongTea, and V energy drink, as well as popular health and wellness product Sesamin EX. Founded as a family-owned business in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory Group has grown its operations throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, with an annual revenue (excluding excise taxes) of $20.9 billion in 2023. It has a strength of 41,511 employees across the world.