Abhay Kewadkar about UB’s distribution system and more –The Hindu

anisha sharma — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:24:00 GMT

Four Seasons has a good distribution network. Has this translated to good sales?

Abhay Kewadkar: Four Seasons started distribution from October 2008 to be precise, and we now have a pan-India presence from this financial year which is an achievement by itself. Yes, we started with the Metros and are now present in Tier II and III cities as well. This result is a combination of the response to the quality and distribution width and depth of USL.

USL had a plan to open its winery in Baramati for tourists.

Abhay Kewadkar: The winery will open for tourists from coming harvest months of February.

Like the rest of the world, does red wine sell more in India than white or rose? Also in red, which grape is popular here?

Abhay Kewadkar: Red wines globally sell 55 per cent, whites 35 per cent and rose 10 per cent. In India, sale of red wines is 60 per cent, whites 35 per cent, rose five per cent. In India, red wines have more potential of sale than whites owing to the spicy cuisine here. The tannins in red wine can take up spicy cuisine much better than what white wines can.

Shiraz grape wines are associated with spicy cuisine, tandoori dishes and barbeques. Naturally, it is the highest selling grape varietal here.

More: thehindu.com

Maharashtra wineries look at ways to use up stocked wines - Mid-day.com

anisha sharma — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 07:32:00 GMT

Indian wine to Indian grape brandy?

Wine producers of Maharashtra have asked the government to allow production of brandy, grape spirit and cognac from stocked wines, which have no takers.

If approved, you may soon enjoy an alcoholic drink made of grapes. 8 litres of wine are needed to make a litre of brandy.

A senior excise official confirmed the request had been made.

"Wine producers also want interest-free loans and subsidy for farmers to tide over the financial crisis," said the officer. "The state seems positive about the proposal."

"Indian wines find it tough to survive due to high taxes and duties," said Abhay Kewadkar, director of Four Seasons Ltd, United Spirits Ltd. "They can survive if the industry is classified as agro-based, not alcohol."

Prashant Sankpal, vice-president of Wine Producers' Association (Sangli), said, "We met the district deputy registrar of Co-operative Societies this week, seeking permission to distill. We hope to get a positive reply."

"If we have permission, people can drink pure grape brandy," said Sankpal. "If the 2.75 crore bulk litres of wine stocked in state wineries remains unsold, many wineries may have to shut down."

"France, a major producer and consumer of wine, stopped importing Indian wines last year due to recession," said a wine expert, who did not wished to be named.

"Local wineries have had to bear the brunt after France released its wines in the Indian market at cheaper rates."

"Europe distills the excess wine stock, why can't we?" said Rajeev Samant, Chief Executive Officer of Sula Vineyards.

"If the government allows us to use excess stock to make brandy, it will be of great help to the industry. We are exploring the option of making high-quality grape brandy, if the government permits us," said Samant.

More: Mid-day.com

Indian Wine News and Messages : Abhay Kewadkar, Indian wine industry

Abhay Kewadkar about UB’s distribution system and more –The Hindu

Maharashtra wineries look at ways to use up stocked wines - Mid-day.com