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The Organic World sets sights on INR 100 Cr brand status by FY25 with aggressive expansion plans and private label growth

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The Organic World
The Organic World

The Organic World, a prominent grocery retailer, wrapped up the last fiscal year with earnings of INR 35 crore. Now, they’re setting their sights even higher, aiming to close this fiscal at INR 60 crore. Gaurav Manchanda, Founder and Director of Nimida Group (the parent company of The Organic World), shared that they’re determined to transform into a INR 100 crore brand by the end of FY 25.

Over the past years, the brand has consistently experienced month-on-month growth ranging from 2.5 to 5 percent. Each year concludes with an impressive 20-25 percent overall growth rate.

Manchanda remarked on the brand’s profitability, stating, “On a unit basis, we’ve achieved break-even, and our stores remain profitable. However, profitability at the head office level is still elusive.”

In order to fuel further growth, the brand intends to broaden its offline presence by entering new cities and delving deeper into its current markets.

Continue Exploring: Grocery retailer The Organic World to expand nationwide with 100 stores by 2025

Presently, the brand runs a total of 17 stores, comprising 13 company-owned and operated outlets, alongside 4 franchise stores. In the current fiscal year, it aims to inaugurate an additional 10 company-owned and operated stores, alongside 25 franchise stores.

“Our objective is to launch 100 stores within the next 18 months. We’re seeing significant interest from cities such as Hyderabad, with Chennai and Bengaluru close behind. Initially, our focus will be on these three cities, before gradually expanding into others like Coimbatore and Mysore,” he explained.

“Ultimately, our aim is to venture into metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Gurgaon by 2026. However, at present, due to supply chain limitations, our focus is solely on South India,” he elaborated.

Of the 100 stores the brand aims to open, it plans for 75 to be franchise-operated and 25 to be company-owned and operated.

The bootstrapped brand has no intention of fueling expansion by raising funds; instead, it plans to finance it through internal accruals.

“The CAPEX required to establish a turnkey and operational company-owned and operated store amounts to INR 60 lakh. Spanning across 1,000-2,200 sq. ft., it offers 3,500 SKUs. In contrast, the CAPEX for a turnkey and operational franchise store is INR 20 lakh. Spanning across 500-800 sq. ft., it offers 2,500 SKUs,” he elaborated.

He mentioned, “For us, a substantial portion of our business is driven by 20-30 per cent of the SKUs, such as dairy, bakery, snacking, and staples.”

Continue Exploring: The Organic World expands its vegan portfolio with exciting new offerings to meet growing demand

Currently, the brand features three private labels across distinct categories: Happy Harvest Farms provides organic staples, WellBe offers snacking options, and Osh Life attends to consumers’ homecare needs.

“Moving forward, we aim to introduce additional private labels in categories such as personal care, vegan, and gluten-free products,” he emphasized.

WellBe can also be found in around 1,000 other retail outlets, including More Retail, Lulu’s, and Nature’s Basket, as well as The Organic World stores.

“Moving forward, our course of action involves introducing WellBe into the general trade market, prioritizing smaller pack sizes. Our aim is to achieve national distribution within the next 18 to 24 months,” he explained.

Currently, private labels account for 55 percent of the brand’s sales. Looking ahead, the brand aims to elevate the contribution of private labels to 65-70 percent.

Presently, offline retail accounts for 90 percent of the brand’s revenue, with the remaining 10 percent generated from online retail.

“We aim to achieve an 80/20 split soon by boosting our average basket size. Additionally, we will introduce our products on quick commerce platforms,” he emphasized.

The brand’s average basket size is INR 960.

Continue Exploring: The Organic World expands into sustainable personal care and hygiene market, unveils six innovative categories for Indian consumers

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Wahter achieves remarkable milestone, sells 2 Lac water bottles in Delhi-NCR within first month of launch

Wahter
Wahter

Wahter, the advertising and packaged drinking water brand from India, has made an impressive mark in just one month since its launch, selling 2 lac in the Delhi-NCR region. This achievement highlights Wahter’s dedication to transforming the advertising sector while also tackling the urgent issue of providing clean and affordable drinking water throughout India.

With its unique business model offering bottled drinking water at just INR 1 and INR 2, Wahter has swiftly captured the spotlight for its innovative approach. The market’s response to Wahter’s affordable bottled drinking water has been overwhelmingly positive, with exceptional sales performance and enthusiastic consumer feedback. Wahter is refilling its carts and strollers almost twice daily at every location, underscoring the high demand and popularity of the product. Moreover, consumers are excited to see their favorite brands featured on the bottles, adding to the allure of Wahter’s offerings.

Continue Exploring: At just INR 1 per bottle, Wahter shakes up India’s bottled water industry with game-changing approach

Wahter’s revenue model, driven by advertising, profoundly shapes brand preferences by providing economical advertising solutions with broad outreach. Unlike conventional advertising platforms, Wahter’s approach allows for precise targeting of marketing efforts, ensuring brands reach specific demographics and geographical areas accurately. Furthermore, Wahter grants access to prime high-traffic locations such as India Gate and Kartavya Path, typically inaccessible through conventional advertising channels. By leveraging Wahter’s bottles as mobile billboards, brands can benefit from sustained visibility as consumers carry the bottles during their daily routines.

Amitt Nenwani, Co-Founder of Wahter, stated, “Wahter’s ambition is to become the leading advertising medium for brands across all sectors. Over the next five years, our objective is to position Wahter as the preferred advertising platform for the top 100 brands, providing unmatched visibility and engagement opportunities to advertisers. Furthermore, consumers are keen to see their favorite brands showcased on our bottles.”

Continue Exploring: Wahter revolutionizes access to clean water in NCR with exclusive carts

As per Wahter, their collaboration with the Shoobhi Foundation (BoAt) demonstrated the platform’s efficacy by delivering the highest ROI in the industry. They achieved an ROI of approximately 18%, garnering over 12,000 scans from merely 65,000 bottles. Their campaign reached over 5 million viewers in Delhi-NCR, including demographics typically ignored by traditional advertising methods.

Looking ahead, Wahter aspires to expand its reach and impact by partnering with top brands across industries and becoming the go-to platform for advertising needs. The company remains dedicated to its core values of affordability, sustainability, and accessibility, shaping the future of advertising in India and beyond.

Continue Exploring: Wahter and Scrapbuddy join forces to recycle 10 Million PET bottles in Delhi-NCR 

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Kalamandir Jewellers appoints Shruti Haasan as its brand ambassador

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Shruti Haasan
Shruti Haasan

Kalamandir Jewellers has enlisted actress Shruti Haasan as its brand ambassador, marking a significant collaboration. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and expansive showroom network across various cities, Kalamandir Jewellers stands out as a prominent jewellery retailer in India.

Milan Shah, Director of Kalamandir Jewellers, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Welcoming Shruti Haasan, a beloved actress and a fashion influencer admired by fans worldwide, to our Kalamandir family fills us with joy. Her exceptional talent, impeccable style, and graceful demeanor perfectly resonate with the ethos of our brand, underscoring our dedication to elegance and heritage. I firmly believe that partnering with Shruti will not only captivate our customers but also craft unforgettable moments for them.”

Continue Exploring: Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan joins QUE eyewear as investor and brand ambassador

In response to the collaboration, Ms. Haasan expressed her delight, stating, “Embarking on this exciting journey with Kalamandir Jewellers fills me with joy. I strongly resonate with the brand’s emphasis on elegance and individuality. Being one of the most esteemed jewelry retail chains in the nation, partnering with them enables me to endorse these principles and encourage others to celebrate their distinct beauty.”

Teaming up with Shruti Haasan, the daughter of renowned actor Kamal Haasan and actress Sarika Thakur, will empower Kalamandir Jewellers to cultivate deeper consumer trust and foster stronger brand loyalty, enhancing its legacy spanning over 37 years.

From its humble beginnings in a 200 sq ft store in Kosamba, Surat district, Kalamandir has expanded significantly, establishing a robust retail footprint with showrooms in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vapi, Bharuch, and Kosamba, as well as at airports in Surat, Chennai, Varanasi, Udaipur, and Vadodara. Moreover, it has introduced renowned national jewellery brands such as Rishta, Kingly, Indo-Italia, Purusham, Platinum, and Sajdhaj ke.

Continue Exploring: Bengaluru-based jewellery marketplace Eternz secures $1.15M pre-seed funding led by Kae Capital

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Tata CLiQ expands pre-owned luxury offerings with Ziniosa partnership

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Tata CLiQ
Tata CLiQ

Tata CLiQ, the leading luxury lifestyle platform in India, has broadened its pre-owned category by partnering with Ziniosa. This latest addition enhances the platform’s offerings, which now include Pre-Owned Timeless Icons such as luxury handbags from top global brands.

With the vision of making distinctive and rare pre-owned items readily accessible to customers nationwide, the platform is set to team up with diverse partners to offer products spanning various categories. Through the inclusion of Ziniosa, the digital store will grant customers the chance to browse and purchase pre-owned luxury handbags from top-tier brands.

Continue Exploring: India’s luxury market surges as affluent buyers propel growth

“We’re excited to expand our range of Pre-Owned Timeless Icons by welcoming Ziniosa to the platform. This launch not only enriches our selection but also underscores our dedication to sustainability and ethical fashion. By considering pre-owned luxury, customers can enjoy exquisite designer bags while also supporting ecologically sustainable shopping practices. The positive response we’ve received for this category on the platform motivates us to expand and diversify our offerings further, aligning with the evolving needs of our customers as we remain at the forefront of pre-owned luxury,” stated Gopal Asthana, CEO of Tata CLiQ.

Ziniosa distinguishes itself through its dedication to eco-friendly alternatives and making luxury fashion accessible to all. As India’s pre-owned luxury market gains momentum, it leads the charge in reshaping consumers’ perceptions of sustainable fashion.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Ziniosa on Tata CLiQ Luxury. The global demand for pre-owned luxury handbags is substantial, and it’s steadily rising in India. Through this collaboration, we’re extending our reach, ensuring our wide range of pre-owned luxury handbags is accessible to people nationwide,” remarked Varun Ramani, Co-founder of Ziniosa. Adding to this sentiment, Ashri Jaiswal, Co-founder of Ziniosa, emphasized, “Customer satisfaction is paramount at Ziniosa. Each product undergoes rigorous quality and authentication checks before listing, and we provide an authenticity certificate with every order. We eagerly anticipate a fruitful partnership.”

Ziniosa brings forth an essence of refinement and sustainability by showcasing timeless designer bags crafted by the world’s most coveted luxury brands.

Continue Exploring: Swedish lifestyle brand Gaston Luga enters Indian market, teams up with Maison ID8 Brands for expansion

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United Breweries’ Q4 FY24 net profit surges five-fold to INR 80.15 Cr

United Breweries
United Breweries

United Breweries Ltd, a renowned beer manufacturer, has reported a surge in net profit to INR 80.15 crore for the January-March quarter of 2023-24, marking a more than five-fold increase from the corresponding period last year. This performance contrasts with the net profit of INR 13.05 crore reported during the April-March quarter of 2022-23, as stated in an exchange filing.

Revenue from operations increased by 17 percent to INR 4,788.68 crore in the final quarter of FY24, compared to INR 4,081.01 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

Total expenses climbed to INR 4,705.38 crore in the quarter under review, up from INR 4,079.32 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The net profit for the complete fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2024, increased by 33 percent to INR 412.59 crore, compared to INR 308.10 crore in the preceding year.

Continue Exploring: United Breweries reports INR 85.34 Crore net profit in Q3 FY24; sees growth in premium segment

The filing stated that total income increased by 10.49 percent to INR 18,453.27 crore in FY24, compared to INR 16,700.52 crore in the previous year.

As per the filing, the company’s board also proposed a final dividend of INR 10 per share (1,000 percent) of the face value of INR 1 for the 2023-24 financial year. Subject to shareholders’ approval, the dividend is scheduled to be disbursed on or before August 30, 2024.

United Breweries shares concluded Tuesday’s trading session at Rs 2,001.75 per share on the BSE, marking a 0.96 percent increase.

“In Q4, volume surged by 10.9 percent, primarily propelled by the South and East regions,” stated United Breweries in a statement.

The premium segment experienced a 21 percent growth during the quarter, driven by robust performance of Kingfisher Ultra and Kingfisher Ultra Max, leading to continued expansion in premium volume for the company.

Continue Exploring: United Breweries unveils Heineken Silver Draught Beer, setting a new standard for crafted refreshment in India

The company asserted, “We remain committed to investing in our brands and capabilities alongside revenue management and cost-saving measures. Our capital expenditures for the year totaled INR 190 crore, primarily directed towards supply chain enhancements to accommodate future expansion.”

“Despite observing some inflationary softening starting from Q2, volatility is expected to persist. However, we maintain optimism regarding the industry’s long-term growth potential, fueled by rising disposable income, favorable demographics, and the trend towards premiumization,” it added.

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Bangalore Watch Company targets annual production of 5,000 units, unveils expansion plans with exclusive outlets and funding drive

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Bangalore Watch Company

Bangalore Watch Company, a six-year-old indigenous startup, aims to establish an Indian luxury watch brand of Swiss quality.

Banking on the burgeoning discretionary spending of Indian consumers and their growing preference for domestic brands, Nirupesh Joshi, Co-Founder and creative director of Bangalore Watch Company, expressed the company’s ambition to achieve an annual production of 5,000 watches within the next three years.

Joshi stated, “We aspired for high-quality watches from India that met Swiss standards. Furthermore, we aimed to break the established design rules common in Indian watchmaking.”

Founded by the couple duo, the brand presently manufactures approximately 1,000 watches annually. Bangalore Watch Company’s average prices hover around the INR 1 lakh mark.

Continue Exploring: Breitling’s revenue surges over 40% in India, eyes top three position in luxury watch market

According to Joshi, the Indian wristwatch market, which is valued at over INR 13,500 crore, is expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10–12%. Classifications like affordable luxury are expanding at a rate higher than the market as a whole, at 14%. About 3-5 lakh watches are sold annually in India’s affordable luxury market, which presents a huge opportunity for companies like Bangalore Watch Company.

“There’s a niche group of consumers who already possess Swiss watches like Omega and Rolex in their collection but are now seeking something that sparks conversation. These consumers will turn to Bangalore Watch Company.”

The remarks on growth prospects coincide with the company’s recent introduction of its Apogee series wristwatch, which underwent testing and successfully endured the conditions of outer space.

Currently, the brand retails in over 30 countries through its direct-to-consumer (D2C) website.

In regards to growth strategies, Joshi revealed that the brand will inaugurate two exclusive brand outlets in the upcoming months and intends to expand its retail presence with additional outlets over the next three years.

Moreover, in order to facilitate its retail expansion, the bootstrapped retailer is seeking to secure initial funding.

Continue Exploring: Swiss luxury watch brand Breitling unveils first exclusive boutique in Chennai, eyes expansion across India

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India’s toy exports dip to $152.34 Million in 2023-24: GTRI Report

Toy store
(Representative Image)

India’s toy exports dipped marginally to USD 152.34 million in 2023-24 from USD 153.89 million in the previous financial year, as reported by the economic think tank GTRI. Despite the implementation of mandatory quality control orders, India’s toy exports failed to experience substantial growth, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

While the domestic measures primarily targeted bolstering the local industry and ensuring safety, they did not notably bolster India’s toy exports, according to the report.

The report indicated a modest increase in exports from USD 129.6 million to USD 177 million from FY’2020 to FY’2022. However, by FY’2024, exports declined to USD 152.3 million.

However, imports surged to USD 64.92 million in 2023-24 from USD 62.37 million in 2022-23.

Continue Exploring: Ace Turtle inaugurates third Toys“R”Us store in India, plans 12 new stores in 2024

Ajay Srivastava, the founder of GTRI, remarked that while the Quality Control Orders (QCO) effectively curbed substandard imports from China, they did not translate into increased exports from India.

“India has undertaken significant measures since 2020 to restrict the influx of substandard toy imports, especially from China, and to bolster the domestic toy industry,” he said. “However, India needs to adopt a broader approach for the development of the sector.”

The report suggests a holistic strategy aimed at fostering the growth of India’s toy industry and increasing exports.

He recommended initiatives such as cultivating a strong domestic ecosystem, enticing global toy brands to establish manufacturing operations in India, drawing lessons from China, and localizing the production of essential inputs.

Srivastava emphasized the importance of investing in research and development to stimulate innovation in toy design and functionality, thus positioning Indian toys competitively worldwide. He also highlighted the need to enhance collaborations between toy manufacturers and design institutes to consistently introduce innovative products.

The report suggested the establishment of specialized toy manufacturing hubs to cut costs and improve efficiency, alongside modernizing traditional Indian toys while preserving their cultural significance to craft distinctive products.

It proposed supporting small and medium enterprises in utilizing digital marketing and advocating for Indian toys at international fairs to establish global connections.

Additionally, it suggested that India extend invitations to international toy manufacturers, including companies like Hasbro, Mattel, Lego, Spin Master, and MGA Entertainment, currently operating in China, to explore the possibility of establishing production facilities in India.

This initiative could potentially redirect a portion of the global toy production market to India.

Moreover, it suggested decreasing reliance on imports by enhancing local production capacities for essential toy-making materials and components, including glass eyes for dolls, beads, imitation stones, various plastics, electric motors, and remote control devices.

According to GTRI, this measure will lower costs and bolster the self-reliance of the Indian toy sector.

Continue Exploring: Walmart targets $10 Billion annual exports from India, with toys taking center stage

Srivastava pointed out that imports of inputs used in toy manufacturing surpass imports of finished toys. “For instance, in FY’2024, we imported glass eyes for dolls or other toys, beads, and imitation stones worth USD 137.2 million.”

He emphasized the necessity for India to devise distinct strategies for various categories of toys, such as plush toys like stuffed animals (with a global trade value of about USD 7 billion); educational toys (with a global trade value of about USD 6 billion); construction toys like LEGO (USD 10 billion); action figures and dolls (USD 10 billion); electronics (USD 15 billion); board games and puzzles (USD 9 billion); and outdoor and sports toys (USD 5 billion).

In 2022, the global market imported toys valued at about USD 60.3 billion.

Leading this market, China exported toys valued at USD 48.3 billion, capturing an 80 percent share of global exports.

Other notable contributors to the global toy export market comprise the Czech Republic with exports totaling USD 3.2 billion, the European Union with USD 2.7 billion, Vietnam with USD 1.7 billion, and Hong Kong with USD 1.1 billion.

On the flip side, India’s contribution to the worldwide toy export sector is meager, amounting to just USD 167 million. This figure accounts for merely 0.3 percent of global exports, positioning it at the 27th spot, as per the report.

Continue Exploring: Toys ‘R’ Us bets big on Indian market, eyes top five position within 4-5 years

In terms of imports, India falls even further behind, securing the 61st position, with toy imports totaling USD 60 million.

The United States emerges as the top importer of toys, single-handedly acquiring toys valued at USD 22.2 billion. It is trailed by the European Union at USD 9 billion, Japan at USD 2.8 billion, and Canada at USD 1.6 billion.

India hiked import duties on toys starting from February 2020. The basic customs duty saw a surge from 20 percent to 60 percent, further escalating to 70 percent by July 2021.

Enforced since January 2021, the QCO (Quality Control Order) stipulates that all toys distributed in India, regardless of their origin—domestically manufactured or imported—must adhere to designated Indian safety standards.

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American Brew Crafts acquires third brewery in Odisha to drive expansion in Eastern India

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American Brew Crafts
American Brew Crafts

American Brew Crafts Pvt Ltd (ABCL), a prominent brewing enterprise known for its craft beers, has announced its recent acquisition of Denzong Brewery situated in Odisha.

ABCL plans to invest over INR 80 Crore in acquiring and refurbishing the brewery. With a capacity to produce 2 Lakh cases of beer per month, this acquisition will increase American Brew Crafts Pvt Ltd’s owned capacity installation to 8 Lakh Cases per month. This includes their renowned Flying Monkey, Blockbuster, and Karjura range of beers.

This strategic step signifies a major milestone for ABCL, fostering the company’s expansion in East & Northeast India and reinforcing its dedication to providing top-tier craft beers to beer enthusiasts across the country.

Continue Exploring: AB InBev plans INR 400 Crore investment for brewery expansion in Karnataka

The acquisition seamlessly fits into ABCL’s growth and innovation vision, propelling the company ahead in the ever-evolving craft beer industry. ABCL maintains quality and consistency through small-batch production, where each batch undergoes thorough research and is meticulously crafted using premium malts and hops for exceptional flavor. With this addition, ABCL now operates three cutting-edge breweries, leveraging the latest German Technology, situated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. This setup ensures the delivery of top-notch brews and sustains a consistent supply across all operational regions.

Nagendra Tayi, Director and Chief Executive Officer of American Brew Crafts Pvt Ltd, expressed, “We are excited to fortify our presence by welcoming Denzong Brewery into the American Brew Crafts family. This acquisition will bolster our production capacity, meeting the rising consumer demand in the region. It’s a pivotal step in expanding our footprint in the East and Northeastern parts of the country. Our commitment lies in fostering the beer culture in India and offering diverse options to beer enthusiasts. With our seasoned team of brew masters ensuring consistency in taste and flavor across batches, we aim to delight beer connoisseurs and ensure they have a memorable experience. Additionally, our innovative and visually appealing packaging has received commendations from both customers and consumers.”

Continue Exploring: Medusa Beverages’ sales skyrocket by 106% in FY24, fueled by strong demand and market expansion

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The Beer Cafe unveils fifth location in Noida at Binge Central

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The Beer Cafe
The Beer Cafe

The Beer Cafe has launched its fifth location in Noida at Binge Central, coinciding with the chain’s 12th anniversary celebrations.

Rahul Singh, the Founder and CEO of The Beer Cafe, expressed, “We are pleased to open our fifth location in the fast-evolving city of Noida. Our ongoing goal has been to transform the beer-drinking landscape in India and position ourselves as the ultimate destination for exceptional brews. This beer haven offers a distinctive and enjoyable experience for both professionals and leisure enthusiasts alike. As we mark our 12th anniversary, we eagerly look forward to achieving many more milestones in the years to come.”

Continue Exploring: The Beer Café continues Mumbai expansion with two new chic outlets

The Beer Cafe at Binge Central in Noida exudes a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, characterized by its green, grey, black, and white color palette. The incorporation of mosaic tiles and neon green highlights adds a touch of elegance and modern flair, harmonizing seamlessly with wooden and metallic features. Cement-textured walls further enhance the contemporary and down-to-earth vibe, rendering it a unique and welcoming destination.

Stepping into The Beer Cafe at Binge Central, guests immerse themselves in a world of diverse flavors, with over 50 beer varieties to choose from. The fusion menu offers a tantalizing blend of global and local cuisine, perfectly complementing the array of brews. Whether indulging in local favorites or exploring international selections, patrons are sure to find a beer to suit their palate.

Continue Exploring: Bira 91 wins big: Secures seven awards at European Beer Challenge 2024

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Tipplers embrace local labels as policy maze leaves big brands in limbo

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Liquor
(Representative Image)

Changes in state liquor policies are leading to an unprecedented shortage of popular brands such as Royal Stag, Budweiser, and Old Monk. This shortage is exacerbated by the code of conduct for the general election, causing disruptions in the supply chain and delays in label registrations and license renewals.

In Delhi, liquor stores are promoting lesser-known whisky brands such as ‘Party Special’, ‘Russian Nights’, and ‘O Darling’, which collectively sold 55,000 cases, 30,000 cases, and 20,000 cases respectively in April. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, whisky brands like Royal Palace recorded sales of 2 million cases, while Daaru House and Old Timer Blue each sold 1.2 million cases in the last fiscal year. Meanwhile, in Telangana, mainstream brands are restricting supplies due to payment delays, prompting a rise in local brands.

“Although the model code of conduct is intended solely for new policy announcements, the reality is that in certain states, it’s being cited as grounds to impede or prolong routine approval processes. License approvals are experiencing excessive delays in states like Delhi, routine production shift approvals are being withheld in Telangana, and payment cycles from corporations are being delayed, among other issues,” stated Vinod Giri, Director General of the industry body Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies.

Continue Exploring: Tasmac unveils new budget-friendly brandy ‘Veeran’, plans to introduce 12 more affordable liquor brands

“We acknowledge that some delays may stem from staff shortages due to election duties, but this explanation doesn’t suffice for areas where elections have concluded or are weeks away. It appears that bureaucratic apathy, compounded by election-related disruptions, is significantly impacting the industry’s supply chains,” commented Giri.

In November 2021, the Delhi government opted to withdraw from the liquor vending business, transferring it to private companies. However, a year later, it reverted to the previous policy. Pernod Ricard, the world’s second-largest spirits firm and the largest distiller in Delhi, faced restrictions on selling in the state as its license was not renewed by authorities. This led to a vacuum in the whisky segment, particularly affecting mass-premium brands.

“For customers, the current focus is on accessibility rather than choice. Additionally, these lesser-known smaller brands provide retailers with margins more than double ours, making it profitable for them to promote them. Although there’s a noticeable disparity between our supply and demand in these states, we rely entirely on excise officials to address such malpractices at the retail or wholesale level,” stated a senior official from a major liquor producer. “In certain states, we are avoiding from stocking up deliberately because any shift in the state government could potentially result in payment disputes or delays.”

This scenario is not novel for the alcobev sector. States such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which regulate liquor retailing, have long promoted local lesser-known brands, compelling top brands to either reduce supply or redirect attention to other regions. What sets this situation apart is that these states, where the government controls liquor sales, represent more than a fifth of India’s total alcobev industry.

The period from March to July marks the peak season for breweries, constituting 40-45% of annual beer sales. Telangana stands out as the largest beer consumer, whereas Delhi plays a pivotal role in brand building, particularly in bars and pubs.

Continue Exploring: Haryana takes bold step as first state to prohibit plastic bottles for locally produced liquor

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