IFE 2008 results</h1> <article> <h1>IFE 2008 results</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:38:00 GMT</p> <p>Out of a total of 185 medals, Indian wines bagged eight medals including five bronze and three silver medals at the India Wine Challenge 2008, held recently at Hayatt Regency in New Delhi.</p><p><b>Silver and Bronze </b><br /></p><p>Chateau Indage Marquise de Pompadour, Chateau D’Ori Cabernet Merlot 2007 and Sula 2008 Late Harvest Chenin were the Indian wines which won silver medals, while Grover Cabernet Shiraz, Indus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Nine Hills Shiraz Rose, Sauvignon Blanc and Sula Blush Zinfandel received bronze medals. </p><p>Robert Joseph, founder of the London International Wine Challenge, chaired the judges panel. The panel consisted of international wine producers like Gina Gallo from Gallo family vineyards in California, Vanya Cullen, a wine maker from Australia, John Forrest, a wine producer from New Zealand, Mike Ratcliffe from Warwick Estate and Vilafonte in South Africa, Roberto Bava, a Italian wine producer, Subhash Arora, President, Indian Wine Academy and Magandeep Singh, India’s first French-certified sommelier.</p><p>More: <a href="http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=2579&sid=1" title="Hospitality Biz" target="_blank">Hospitality Biz</a> <br /></p><p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>German winemaker exploring Indian partners - Thaindian News</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:10:00 GMT</p> <p>German wine-maker, Langguth Wine and Spirits, is looking for an Indian partner to set-up a joint venture in the country.</p> <p>One of the leading wine-makers of Europe, Langguth has its joint ventures across the globe and now it wants to make India, its next stop-over, “we are looking in that direction like we did in South Africa, like we did in Spain, North Africa, Chile and the United States”, says the Executive Director of the company, Helmut G Seibert.</p> <p>Famed for its international wine brand ”Blue Nun” across the globe, the sixth generation wine-maker from the Mosel region of Germany today launched two of its most popular wine brands Blue Nun from Germany and Kaya from South Africa in the Indian market.</p> <p>An Indian company, “Natures Bounty Wine and Allied Products Private Limited” has collaborated with the German major to market these brands in the country. “Nature’s Bounty, they are already in the business of growing fruits and they may decide to grow grapes as well and may be this is the company we want to go with”, says Seibert. </p> <p>More: <a title="Thaindian News" target="_blank" href="http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/leading-european-wine-maker-eyes-indian-joint-venture_100117377.html">Thaindian News</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Utsav Australia - Hospitality Biz</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:07:00 GMT</p> <p>Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) in association with Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia will organise a three-city Australian Seafood and Wine Festival in India. The first one has got underway in The Oberoi, New Delhi and will last till the 15th of November. The promotion will be on offer at the hotel’s ‘threesixty’ restaurant for both lunch and dinner. </p> <p>The next two will also be held in the Oberoi properties in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Along with a variety of seafood from Australia, some of the finest wines from well known wine growing regions of Australia, like Margaret River, Yarra Valley, and Hunter Valley will be showcased during the festival.</p> <p> Michael Carter, Trade Commissioner, Australian Trade Commission, says: the festival is a first of its kind initiative to promote and launch Australian seafood and wines in the burgeoning organised fine dining hospitality sector in India.</p> <p>This is part of the Australian Government's ‘Utsav Australia’ programme to raise awareness about the capabilities of different Australian industries in potential markets. These promotional festivals would be supported by concerted public relation exercise through all channels possible both in Australia and India. The Trade Commission is having talks with select group of five-star properties in India to host similar festivals in the future.</p><p>More: <a href="http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=2531&sid=1" title="Hospitality Biz" target="_blank">Hospitality Biz</a> <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Champagne Indage expecting 75% growth</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:34:00 GMT</p> <p>Quarterly Analysis <br /></p><p>Champagne Indage: Good results. India’s largest and oldest wine Company announced 40% increase in sales and 35% rise in net profit. Crisis and alcohol are inseparable. I am a strict teetotaller but as an investor, I prefer these companies. Company is expecting 75% top line growth in the next quarter. Company is on expansion mode in recent days despite credit crisis.</p> <p>CMP: 146; P/E: 5.4; Book value: 177.</p><p>More: <a href="http://www.stockmarketguide.in/2008/11/how-to-solve-current-economic-crisis.html" title="Stock Market Guide" target="_blank">Stock Market Guide</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Italian winemaker Roberto Bava in India - Express India</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:13:00 GMT</p> <p>Italian wine-maker Roberto Bava is in India through Finewinesmore, to judge the India Wine Challenge in Delhi next week, and to promote his wine. Pioneers in the Barbera variety of local grape, the Bavas are known for such revolutionary wines like the Rosetta, the Stradivario and the Barolo — a sought after brand in the international wine market.</p> <p> Inspired by Keith Jarret’s 1979 performance at the Montreal Jazz festival, Bava returned to his native Asti, in the Piedmont region of Italy, with a grand idea. “At that time my father was restoring one of our older cellars. My brother and I asked him to let us host classical music concerts in the cellar,” he recalls. Musicians performed for entire days at their cellars and kept trying different wines. As the day progressed, the musicians identified certain compositions or instruments with certain wines.</p> <p>Now, Bava’s wine estate boasts of a steady stream of musicians performing classical and jazz music at their vineyard, which now has two dedicated jazz halls. </p> <p> Bava regrets the elitism attached to wine consumption in India. “My own wine is too expensive for me to afford here. I hope that changes in future.” </p><p>More: <a href="http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/heady-mix/383040/" title="Express India" target="_blank">Express India </a><br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>US Report on Indian Market Released - Subhash Arora</h1> <p>admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:36:00 GMT</p> <table class="" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tr> <td class="articlepageintroline" style="WIDTH:806px;HEIGHT:45px;" class="articlepageintroline"><em><font face="Verdana" size="2">Much awaited report on the study of the Indian wine market, has been finally released by the Wine Institute of California. Perhaps, a first comprehensive report of its kind, it is first being published by the Indian Wine Academy.<br /><br /></font></em></td></tr> <tr> <td class="articledata" style="WIDTH:806px;HEIGHT:458px;" class="articledata"><font face="Verdana" size="2">'Comprehensive Study of the Indian Wine Market' is a 37 page document supported by a 41-page Reference Guide Section detailing the Indian drinking culture, demographics, Geography, Import procedures, Supply chain, wine pricing structure, state laws, Foreign Trade Agreements and several other issues related to the Indian wine market and marketing wines in India.</font> <p><font face="Verdana" size="2">Expected to be quoted very highly, it clocks the growth of the Indian wine market at a conservative 20-25% and concludes that there is a strong market potential for the California State producers who represent 95% of the US export market.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana" size="2">The study was instituted by the Wine Institute late last year and was conducted by Washington-based JBC International, a consulting firm. The objective was to help the California wine producers to understand the Indian market and psyche to enable then to penetrate the market under the existing conditions. </font></p> <p><font face="Verdana" size="2">A team sent to India visited Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Goa meeting importers, retailers, hoteliers, government officials and those related with the wine trade- including the Indian Wine Academy and the Delhi Wine Club. The report draws and recognizes significantly from the published portion of the respective websites.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana" size="2">The study has been designed to serve as a guide for wineries and producers intending to sell in India. Current and projected market overview of the consumption, production, government regulations, state laws including labelling etc have been lucidly explained. The Indian Constitution would be helpful to understand why India is a Paradox. </font></p> <p><font face="Verdana" size="2">The study has however limitations- insofar as the data accuracy is concerned. Admits Jim Gore, lead author of the study, 'wineries, importers and retail shops are privately owned and were wary of sharing their proprietary information on sales related figures. Despite the study and the research we made in the US before coming to India, the limitations regarding the accuracy of the data remain to an extent, an issue.'</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana" size="2">While being optimistic about India as the emerging market and the opportunity it provides, it does warn the US producers about the protectionist regime of alcohol control and taxation, an underdeveloped supply and distribution chain that threatens the product integrity and a culture that has not been wine-oriented so far.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana" size="2">Although there has been a significant change in the economy since the report was signed off on August 21- there is a sudden recession and the Rupee which was selling for less than Rs. 40 to a dollar has devalued around 25% to go to Rs. 50 to a dollar-making the imports from the US that much more expensive, the meticulous details of the factors involved in wine trade within the Indian system make it a handy tool for anyone interested in the wine industry-within India or overseas.</font></p> <p><font face="Verdana" size="2"><a href="http://indianwine.com/cs/files/folders/wine_marketing/entry6251.aspx">Click here to download the complete report.</a></font></p> <p><b><font face="Verdana" size="2"><a href="http://www.indianwineacademy.com/">Subhash Arora</a></font></b></p></td></tr></table> </article> <article> <h1>Champagne Indage on an acquisition spree</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:21:00 GMT</p> <p>Champagne Indage Ltd. plans to acquire more overseas wineries this fiscal year, seeking bulk wine exports to the UK and the US, even as it raises fresh capital from a possible sale of foreign currency convertible bonds, or FCCBs, and other financial instruments.</p> <p>Indage had earlier agreed to buy Loxton Winery from Australian Vintage Ltd for 60 million Australian dollars (Rs204 crore), but the deal has been delayed because of Champagne Indage’s failure to get the financing in place, Sydney Morning Herald reported on 25 October. “We are completing various procedures required. Because of that we are delaying the completion of (the acquisition of) Loxton, nothing else,” Champagne Indage’s chief financial officer Rajesh Chalke said. </p> <p>Champagne Indage, whose brands include its flagship Marquise de Pompadour, Chantilli and Riviera wines, was set up in 1982 as a 100% export-oriented unit. The company, whose products include red, white and sparkling wines, exports its labels to 69 countries, according to its website.</p> <p>The Pune-based company is defying tight credit markets worldwide to pursue expansion, after completing the purchase of two wine makers abroad in the past 18 months and agreeing to buy a third. “There may be certain timeline delays, but there are another three acquisitions planned for the year,” said Ranjit S. Chougule, managing director of Champagne Indage. Champagne Indage aims to maintain growth of 40-60% in turnover, partly through acquistions overseas. The company logged consolidated revenue of Rs250 crore for the year to March 2008. </p> <p>More: <a title="LiveMint" target="_blank" href="http://www.livemint.com/2008/11/04004229/Indage-eyes-multiple-takeovers.html">LiveMint</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Australian Trade Commision eyes a bigger share in the Indian wine industry</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 05:59:00 GMT</p> <p>The volume of the imported wine market in India stands at 1,80,000 cases annually in which Australia has a 25 per cent share, shares Australian Trade Commissioner Michael Carter. </p> <p>"We are looking at ways to increase this share notwithstanding some of the challenges like high import duties," he said. "We are working with Australian wine companies to increase market share here. They are looking at partnering Indian wineries for technology and skill transfer as well," Carter said. </p> <p>Meanwhile, Australia has formed a special task force to work out details on a free trade agreement with India, and is negotiating with India for a reduction in import duties on wines.</p> <p>More: <a title="Zee News" target="_blank" href="http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=481234&sid=BUS&ssid=50">Zee News</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>WTO, custom duties and the Indian wine industry</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:02:00 GMT</p> <p>The World Trade Organisation’s appellate body has ruled in favour of an appeal made by the US against the high customs dutes imposed by India on wines and spirits. The ruling will, however, not impact the duties and prices of imported liquor in India. These were already lowered as per commitments made to the WTO last July following complaints from the EU and the US. </p> <p>The EU and the US had appealed against the customs duties (ACD) imposed by India on wines and spirits over and above the basic customs duties to offset state taxes imposed on domestic liquor. India decided to withdraw the ACD in July last year, reducing its customs duty to 150%. </p> <p> India, however, is concerned about a fresh complaint made by the EU against the states like Goa, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. These states levy much higher taxes on imported liquor compared to the domestically produced variant and this goes against the WTO concept of national treatment, according to the complainant. The Centre is talking to the states concerned in an attempt to resolve the issue. </p> More: <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Economy/Ruling_on_wine_duty_is_a_damp_squib/articleshow/3660352.cms" title="The Economic Times" target="_blank">The Economic Times</a> </article> <article> <h1>India’s most expensive wine launched. - Press Release</h1> <p>admin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:12:00 GMT</p> <p><span style="COLOR:black;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"><font size="2"></font></span><i><span style="COLOR:black;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"><font size="2">Oct 20, 2008</font></span></i><span style="COLOR:black;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"><font size="2"> – Mumbai, –Globus Wines, launches Miazma ‘’’Fine Wine of India’’ the most expensive Indian wine till date.</font></span></p> <p class="ececmsonormal" style="BACKGROUND:white;"><span style="COLOR:black;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"><font size="2">Globus Wines, A pioneer in Wine Retailing and producer of premium boutique wines in India, is pleased to announce the release of its Super-Premium brand Miazma ‘’Fine Wine of India’’. According to the company press release, Miazma ‘’Fine Wine of India’’ ™ is by far the most authentic premium wine produced in India today. The company has launched the wine in 3 varietals, Miazma Chenin Blanc, Miazma Shiraz and Miazma Pink Rose.</font></span></p> <p class="ececmsonormal" style="BACKGROUND:white;"><span style="COLOR:black;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"><font size="2">Speaking on the occasion, CMD, Karan Jain commented ‘’ Owing to the purposely limited production in order to ensure high quality wines, we have been compelled to put our customers under strict allocation for each variant. We have reserved only 3000 bottles including all 3 variants for the Indian Market. The remaining wines are being shipped to Europe as we have already pre-sold our first vintage’’.</font></span></p> <p class="ececmsonormal" style="BACKGROUND:white;"><span style="COLOR:black;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"><font size="2">Out of the total quota for India, 500 bottles are available at Globus Wine retail stores and the remaining on request-to-ship-basis only. To reach out to its customers, the company is planning to sell first 1.000 bottles in hand-crafted wooden cases, laser engraved with company Logo which will ideally be used for gifting or personal collection around the festive corner. “We’re eager to offer our customers the option to send their friends, family and clients these high-end accented wines with a prestigious touch. It’s exciting seeing these wines coming out of India and we are happy to be part of this’’. Commented Karan Jain</font></span></p> <p class="ececmsonormal" style="BACKGROUND:white;"><span style="COLOR:black;FONT-FAMILY:Verdana;"><font size="2"> Miazma ‘’’Fine Wine of India’’ is the most expensive wine in India till date at Rs. 1,200/bottle. The Vintage can be requested by visiting </font></span><font face="Verdana"><a href="http://www.globuswines.co.in/"><font size="2">http://www.globuswines.co.in/</font></a><font size="2"> </font></font></p> </article> <article> <h1>Cheers to more Imported wines - Business Standard</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:46:00 GMT</p> <p>The imported wine segment, which is currently dominated by wine importers and distributors like Brindco and Sonarys, has now caught the fancy of local industry players like Champagne Indage, Sula and United Breweries (UB) who are keen on expanding their portfolios to cater to the Indian consumers across various price points. </p> <p><u>Champagne Indage</u> plans to introduce its Australian range of wines from its acquired companies Thachi Wines Company and VineCrest under the newly formed brand. </p> <p><u>United Vintners Ltd (UB)</u> besides introducing wines from Bouvet Ladubay, a premium French winery is now looking at expanding its portfolio to represent wines from different countries and regions here. Over the last six months, the company has introduced the Gossips label from Australia and is currently introducing the 10 Chapters range of wines from South Africa. In the pipeline are wines from Burgandy, France known as Bouchard Laine Fils, from Portugal the Pink Elephant series and wines from New zealand. "We will bring in over 35 labels from countries like France, South Africa, Portugal and New Zealand in the coming months,” says Sanjay Roy, head (marketing), UB. </p> <p>The market has global contenders like Moet-Henessey, known more for its champagne and cognac, which also has high-end wines available and <u>Diageo</u>, which is one of the world’s largest producers of beers, spirits and wines with a strong presence here. </p> <p>More: <a title="Local players turn importers" target="_blank" href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=338145">Business Standard</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>EU wants a fair share in the Indian wine industry - The Economic Times</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:30:00 GMT</p> <p>The European Union is set for talks with India over a potential conflict at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over differential treatment for imported wines and lack of market access for spirits in some states. </p> <p>This concerns Maharashtra’s differential tax regime for imported wines and Tamil Nadu’s reticence to open up the local market for international spirits and wines. But Maharashtra’s political lobby, which has sought protection for its fledgling wine industry and the vast pool of grape farmers, is unlikely to budge.</p> <p>In Maharashtra, locally-bottled wines attract zero excise duty, while wines brought into the state from overseas or other states are taxed at about 200% on manufacturing cost, leading to a substantial difference in the price that consumers pay. Maharashtra is the country’s largest market for imported lifestyle alcoholic beverages, both on-premise and at retail. In a move aimed mainly at Maharashtra, Karnataka last decided to impose a Rs 300 per bulk litre import fee on wines from other states. </p> <p>The EU team is scheduled to arrive in the second week of November for discussions with commerce ministry officials. </p> <p>More: <a title="WTO conflict on access to Indian wine industry" target="_blank" href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/State_set_to_battle_it_out_with_EU_on_wine_policy/articleshow/3625676.cms">The Economic Times</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>UB brings more wines from Burgandy - Business Line</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:17:00 GMT</p> <p>UB has launched Burgandy's Bouchard Aine and Fils selection of wines in India. </p> <p>'We are proud to be associated with Bouchard Aine & Fils and offer Indian wine lovers an exquisite range of Burgundy wines. These wines are a crucial supplement to our already healthy portfolio of wines from New Zealand, Australia, Loire Valley, South Af rica, Portugal and of course India,' informed UVL Business Head and Chief Wine-Maker, Mr Abhay Kewadkar. </p> <p> These wines would be made available through United Vintners Limited in all the metros. The price range is Rs 750-5000.</p><p>More: <a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/19171751.htm" title="Business Line" target="_blank">The Hindu Business Line </a><br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Steven Spurrier speaks his mind - The Financial Express</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:03:00 GMT</p> <p>'Wine and Indians are a perfect match,' avers Steven Spurrier, British Wine Authority & Chairman, Board of Wine Advisors, <font>The Wine Society of India</font>. On his path to becoming a authority on wine, Steven has been the Founder of l’Acadumie du Vin and the Christie’s Wine Course. He created the famous 1976 Paris wine tasting. The Wine Society of India (WSI) began operations in the last quarter of 2006. </p> <p> Present in Delhi for an evening of wine tasting session organised by the WSI, that has managed to add 1,000 members, Spurrier was delighted to see the serious response from the visitors. </p> <p>'I was asked some time back in India that why doesn’t wine sell here? And my answer was simple. Start setting wine glasses on the tables of hotels and restaurants and you will see a rise in the demand for wine,' says Spurrier. Only 1% of the country drinks wine, but with a population of 1.15 billion people, that leaves a target market of 11.5 million.</p> <p> 'One of the advantages India has that it produces its own wine and the quality is improving by the day. The other important and favourable factor for India is that unlike other wine producing countries where wineries compete against each other, Indian wineries compete with the world and not against each other,' he says, adding, 'the range of wines available in India, despite exuberantly high taxes, is quite large.' </p> <p> More: <a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/news/indian-wine-market-is-healthiest-for-expansion/375087/1" title="Steven Spurrier" target="_blank">The Financial Express</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Wine Tours in India - Express Buzz</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:27:00 GMT</p> <p>Y<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetailNews1">ou have been developing a taste for good wine and love to travel, how about visiting a vineyard in Nashik, Pune or Bangalore next month? The Indian wine industry has grown from oddity to a force to be reckoned with, thanks to about eight major wineries located across the country.</span></p><p><b>Harvest Time </b><br /></p><p><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetailNews1">While the harvest season is from January to March, the</span><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetailNews1"> season for wine holidays begins in October and continues till March in the vineyards located in the west; in Bangalore, the season is from January to May.</span> </p><p><b>Vineyard Tour </b><br /></p><p><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetailNews1">A typical tour would include a stroll through the vineyard and the winery’s production facilities, witnessing the grape crushing at the vats and wine tasting at the tasting room. </span></p><p><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetailNews1"><b>Sula Vineyards:</b> Located on the outskirts of Nashik.</span><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetailNews1">One of the pioneers of wine tours in the country, they offer a wonderful wine experience, with ‘Beyond,’ a beautiful bungalow situated in the vineyards.</span></p><p><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetailNews1"><b>Chateau Indage Vineyards</b>: With vineyards in Narayangaon, Pune District, Chateau Indage Ltd is the oldest wine company in India. The vineyards have over 20 varieties of grapes under cultivation. Be sure to check out the nearby Rural Ivy Wine Bar, one of the first bar *** restaurants to be set up by a wine company in the country. </span></p><p><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetailNews1"><b>Grover Vineyards</b>: </span><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_lblDetailNews1">Located a comfortable distance from Bangalore, Grover Vineyards is perfect for a day trip.</span></p><p>More: <a href="http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=The+Indian+wine+holiday&artid=3KGqB07i2%7C8=&SectionID=OptbZECmFoc=&MainSectionID=n35v%7C01wo4w=&SectionName=dl2XZklJ2/w=&SEO=vineyards,wine" target="_blank">Express Buzz </a><br /></p><p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>The Sommelier wine bars - Business Standard</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:13:00 GMT</p> <p>Nashik-based Sommelier group has planned five wine bars in Pune, Nashik, Bangalore and Jaipur over next two years. The newly formed group plans to invest around Rs 6 crore to set up these multi-brand wine bars.</p> <p>Promoted as 'The Sommelier', the wine bars would serve only wine along with food that suits wine consumption. Interestingly, the wine pricing would be low as these wine bars buy wine from manufacturers directly and sell to customers. "Wine consumption is increasing fast across prominent cities and hence, wine bars are the need of the hour. In a bid to tap this potential, we have come up with an idea of wine bars," said Jagdish Patil, one of the promoters of The Sommelier. </p>More: <a title="Business Standard" target="_blank" href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=337110&chkFlg=">Business Standard</a> </article> <article> <h1>Taverns in Karnataka - The Times of India</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:52:00 GMT</p> <p>The new wine policy in Karnataka has made it easy and inexpensive to start wine 'taverns', host wine festivals, start wine manufacturing units in Karnataka. To start these wine taverns you need to shell out only Rs 1,000 as a one-time permit fee. Wine consumption has been rising in India and given its low alcohol content, seems to be finding favour with the officialdom as an alternative to hard liquor.</p> <p>"The board will communicate on making available the applications to all the district commissioner offices in the state. We will also put applications on the website shortly, which can be downloaded," says Karnataka Wine Board MD, B Krishna. </p><u>Individual gains...</u> <p>The new policy bifurcates wine into two categories -- fruit-based (natural) wine and fortified (having some amount of alcohol) and allows individuals to stock 9 litres of wine against the earlier 4.5 litres. </p> <p><u>Karnataka is more than ready...</u> </p> <ul> <li>Karnataka has 9,700 hectares of land under grape cultivation including table grapes and French grapes with an estimated yield of about 1.67 lakh tons.</li> <li>Total wine sales in Karnataka, including fortified wine, stood at 13.1 lakh litres in 2006-07. </li> <li>Two wineries -- in Bangalore rural and Bijapur -- function in Karnataka. Krishna says that seven more companies have shown interest in starting wine manufacturing units in the near term. </li> <li>Wine cultivation will be encouraged in the Nandi valley, comprising of Bangalore urban, Bangalore rural and Kolar districts and Krishna valley which includes -- Bijapur, Bagalkot and Belgaum districts. </li> <li>According to estimates, presently, less than one percent of grapes produced in the country are used for manufacturing wine. </li></ul>More: <a title="The Times of India" target="_blank" href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Blore_Have_new_wine_in_new_bottle/articleshow/3587857.cms">The Times of India</a> </article> <article> <h1>Indian wine industry takes a peep into Bordeaux - Decanter</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:13:00 GMT</p> <p> A group of Indian wine growers arrived in Bordeaux last week to meet suppliers and study French production techniques. The two-day visit by the 28-strong group was the first practical result of a Franco-Indian business co-operation agreement signed in February this year by both governments.</p><p>And why not, when, 'sixty per cent of wine making equipment in India comes from France,' said Amit Kerval, a leading Indian importer of French supplies. Kerval co-ordinated the trip, along with the newly created, Paris based Franco-Indian Network for Sustainable Business-Development (FINSB). </p><p>The main objectives for the delegation, which included representatives from Vinsura and Sula, was to better understand the French wine industry, said Kerval. </p><p>More: <a href="http://www.decanter.com/news/269427.html" title="Indian wine industry takes a look at Bordeaux" target="_blank">Decanter</a><br /> </p> </article> <article> <h1>On the road to a 1000 wineries... Business Standard</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:34:00 GMT</p> <p>Is it too much to look forward to a 1,000 wineries in India? That really depends upon how many other states liberalise their archaic licensing laws regarding the production and distribution of low-alcohol products like wine or beer.</p> <p>The numbers of wineries in India have grown from 30 in end-2004 to well over 60, mainly as a result of the new wine policy set out by Maharashtra in 2001. There are also over 100 wine importers, while the total number of labels is probably nearing 2,000.</p> <p>Another spurt in winery construction will come with the notification of the new wine policy in Karnataka later this month, and the next few years should see some 40 new wineries coming up in that state.</p> <p>Both Tamil Nadu and Andhra already grow table grapes and the tableland around Periyar in Kerala looks most interesting. All one needs to start a vineyard is land, water and a bit of power, and a small operation need not really invest much in plant and machinery. So, may a thousand vineyards bloom!</p> <p>More: <a title="May a 1000 vineyards bloom" target="_blank" href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=336285">Buisness Standard</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>EU requests new WTO consultations on Indian wine and spirits taxes - Hospitality Biz India</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:30:00 GMT</p> <p> The European Union (EU) requested World Trade Organization (WTO) consultations with India on its domestic tax regime for spirits and wines, on September 22, 2008. This is to seek clarifications from India on the way tax legislation and other measures on market access for wine and spirits are applied in states such as Goa, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.</p> <p> The custom tariff for imported bottled wines and spirits at the Indian border is already 150 per cent. Discriminatory internal taxation in some Indian states adds further to this burden for importers. For example, Maharashtra imposes a special fee on imported wines and exempts locally-produced wines and spirits from excise duty. Goa adds an import and 'label-recording' fee to the cost of imported wines and spirits. In both cases, internal taxes are applied only to imported wines and spirits, or at a much higher rate for imports than domestic goods. This is a breach of the WTO's national treatment principle, which requires that WTO members treat imports and domestic goods the same. </p> <p>The request for consultations formally initiates a dispute under the WTO dispute settlement understanding. Bilateral consultations give the WTO members, in this case the EU and India, the opportunity to discuss the matter and find a satisfactory solution without resorting to litigation. If these consultations fail to reach a satisfactory solution within 60 days after the receipt of the request for consultations, the complaining party, may request the establishment of a panel.</p><p>More: <a href="http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=2202&sid=1" title="EU requests new WTO consultations on Indian wine and spirits taxes " target="_blank">Hospitality Biz India </a><br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>What's up with Maharashtra?</h1> <p>admin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:24:00 GMT</p> <p> </p> <p align="justify"><font face="Verdana" size="2">Protection for the domestic wine labels gets even better with the recent announcement of the new taxation policy by the government of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, importers can take the equally tough choice of bowing down to market meters or find newer markets in other states. <br /><br />As far as newer markets are concerned, the middle class is steadily on the rise in India, and there are cities other than Mumbai and Pune ready to pick up the wine culture, what with wine clubs and tasting events giving people a taste of wine. But as a matter of fact, building a new market takes time and effort. While Mumbai (read Maharashtra), the otherwise number one consumer of wine in India has lesser competition from foreign brands due the 4x taxation. <br /><br />Neethu Sheth of The Wine Rack, importing wines from South Africa comes to grips with the new taxation, and gets on with restructuring pricing. That is just the thing to do, considering that trade was suspended for over three months. 'Together with an earlier suspension of three months,' points out <b>Hans Raj Ahuja</b>, 'this makes it almost six months of no trade in imported wines and other spirits.' Ahuja, is heading Echidna Wines, importing wine from Australia for the Indian market.<br /><br />He takes an objective view of the situation: 'Though the policy brings common taxation on wines, it clearly ignores the fact that wines produced and sold in Maharashtra pay no excise duty. Further, the spirits enjoy a multiple of six as per the formula while wines has to bear with a multiple of four making it more biased towards imported wines while allowing good margins for spirits. The policy is a clear political statement towards local grape growers and wineries.'<br /><br />Another factor to be noted is that most of the small wineries are more or less 'contract wineries', selling their produce to domestic market leaders . Purchasing bulk wine from small wineries, who can ill-afford budgeting for marketing and distribution activities, further assists the domestic market leaders keep their position. The smaller wineries working on lesser margins sell in bulk to market leaders, securing the financial health of their unit. <br /><br />The big wineries that do buy bulk wines make the most of their marketing efforts and distribution network, staying on top; adding to their capacity without any capital investment. Meanwhile, wine-importers meet sundry other costs including warehousing, label registration, etc. <br /><br />'With so much tariff protection, Indian wines have no reason to improve their quality and compete with world wines on quality and prices,' notes Ahuja. Well, and does that explain the negligible impact of Indian wines on the international scene? But if the domestic market is so good for the domestic wine big wigs, would they care so much for an international impact? <br /><br />'Despite zero tax, no winery has reduced its rates thus taking the consumer for a ride' notes Ahuja, adding, 'may be it is the beginning of the end for imported wines in Maharashtra and consumers in Maharashtra will be destined to buy inferior quality wines at exorbitant rates.' <br /><br />Agreed that other than taxes, the local wine industry has its share of obstacles to contend with, which includes sourcing good quality grapes to begin with, finding the right distributor, creating the right marketing strategy, introducing wine to an otherwise spirit-loving Indian people, and most of all maintain the quality of their wines. <br /><br /><strong>Thank you, government of Maharashtra, but now can we move to the international arena please...<br /></strong><br />Let us face it, how does the government of Maharashtra propose to take the Indian wine market to greater heights? The Wine Park and facilities for farmers and wineries have been helpful, and wineries at the top continue to sustain even the smallest denominator in the industry, thanks to contract farming and contract wineries. <br /><br /><strong>But to take Indian Wines to the world, one does need to allow world wines a place in India, minus the step-treatment of 4x taxes, which incidentally other spirits are better off with at 6x.</strong></font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Verdana" size="2"><a href="http://www.indianwine.com/Ahuja/Sample_Excise_Calculations_As_Per_New_Excise_in_Mumbai.xls">Sample Cost Calculator for Maharashtra</a> (by Ahuja)</font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Verdana" size="2">for indianwine.com</font></p> <p align="justify"><b><font face="Verdana" size="2">Anisha Sharma</font></b></p> </article> <article> <h1>Champagne for the nouveau Indian wine market</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:21:00 GMT</p> <p> European wine growers are taking the Indian market very seriously and organising a series of tasting and training sessions presenting different styles of champagne, from the various houses of Champagne, each bearing the signature of the distinctive wine makers to woo the Indian market and the young aspirational urban consumer.</p> <p> Daniel Lorson, Director of the CIVIC (The Comité Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne) was in Bangalore recently disseminating the finer points of Champagne appreciation at the Champagne week seminar. </p> More: <a href="http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Sep202008/living2008091990915.asp" title="Deccan Herald" target="_blank">Deccan Herald</a> </article> <article> <h1>What makes the Indian wine industry attractive to foreign companies? - Sindh Today</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:07:00 GMT</p> <p>In India, the cost of opening and setting up a wine distillery is cheaper - Rs.10-15 million for a plant with a capacity of 100,000 litres. No wonder many Indian and foreign companies are jumping on to the Indian wine bandwagon, says Sajjan Jindal, president of Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham). The Indian wine industry is on a high, literally. The domestic wine market, currently growing at 20 percent, will grow at 25 percent by 2010, he adds. By 2010, domestic wine consumption will reach around 9 million litres, an Assocham study said.</p><p>The conducive conditions thus formed for winemakers have already drawn the likes of top drinks maker Diageo, Pernod Ricard, LVMH’s Moet Hennessey and SABMiller to India, which was once described as having only small and mid-sized players. Other companies like Anheuser-Busch Co. Inc. and Danish brewer Carlsberg are also on their way. The soaring popularity of imported brands, which sell at much higher prices than domestic varieties, offers international companies great opportunities for strong value growth, Jindal said.</p><p>More: <a href="http://www.sindhtoday.net/south-asia/21473.htm" title="Sindh Today" target="_blank">Sind Today</a> <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Market woes: Indian versus imported wine - Business Standard</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:14:00 GMT</p> <p>With per head consumption of just half a teaspoon of wine as against 20 litres per head in Britain, the world's second most-populous country is a promising wine market.</p><p>While local players are including affordable imported wines in their portfolios to hook new consumers, foreign firms are trying hard to expand in the market.</p><p>United Breweries, the most recent entrant in the imported wine segment, is selling wines sourced from South African vineyards under the Bohemia Wine brand. Aiming to tap the price-conscious home-consumption market, it has priced its wines at Rs 500 and beyond.</p><p>“There will be enough supplies of reputed imported wines costing between Rs 550 and Rs 700 which may eat into the sales of Indian wines.” </p><p>Indian producers are expected to either fight back by offering higher discounts or push their own portfolios of imported wines in an effort to lock in the customers. Just as Sula has done with the French Pierre Maison, and Vinner Wines with Italian Opera, United Breweries is importing wine and packaging it under its own label. It currently imports wine from Cape Floral Kingdom, South Africa, and the brand is not ruling out the possibility of adding more wines from New Zealand, Australia and even Chile.</p><p>More: <a href="http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=334409" title="Imports add fizz ti indian market" target="_blank">Business Standard </a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Nandi Valley and Krishna Valley Wine parks to open in Karnataka - Daijiworld</h1> <p>anisha sharma — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:24:00 GMT</p> <p>Bangalore is the third largest market for wine in India after Mumbai and Delhi. And to make the most of it, Bangalore's neighbourhood is soon to have two wine parks, says Minister for Horticulture, Umesh Katti. The wine parks are to be established at Chickaballapur and Bijapur with the aim of increasing the area under grape cultivation and producing good wine. </p> <p>Addressing the media in Bangalore, Mr. Katti said the parks would be established on public-private partnership. Seven licenses would be issued to set up wineries at the wine park in Bijapur. The grape-growing districts of Bangalore Rural and Bangalore Urban and Kolar have been named “Nandi Valley,” while Bijapur, Bagalkot and Belgaum districts have been named “Krishna Valley.” </p> <p>More of the good news is that the Karnataka Government has liberalised the licensing system to attract investors to the wine parks, particularly from Maharashtra. The licence fee has been fixed at Rs. 1,000. Those who want to set up wineries can obtain a licence by applying to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Licences will be issued within 30 days of submission of the application, he said. </p>More: <a class="" title="Karnataka to have new wine parks" href="http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=51011&n_tit=Bangalore%3A+Two+Wine+Parks+to+come+up+in+State+" target="_blank">DiajiWorld.com</a> </article> </main></body></html>