The Indian wine market never had it so good. Although still in its infancy, the industry is taking quick steps to put the industry on a fast growth track. Kapil Grover, Managing Director, Grover Vineyards, who was one of the first movers in the market is seeing the company grow by leaps and bounds.
With a portfolio comprising of- La Reserve, Cabernet Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognior Clairette and Shiraz Rose, the company is seeing its wines growing more and more popular each year. La Reserve is not only our flagship wine but one of the most appreciated wines from the portfolio, says Grover. In fact, after observing the popularity of this wine, we have recently added 200 more barrels for the production of La Reserve. The company hopes to add to their portfolio the Sante range. Also, we have launched Shiraz & Chenin Blanc in August 2008. Growth rates have also been high and steady. According to Grover, “We are targeting a growth rate of 30 % year on year. So, Indeed, yes, there has been a good growth in the sales and we are hopeful of making big profits year by year.”
The company has a turnover of approximately Rs. 25 Crores. Although small by international standards, the company is making efforts to speed up their growth. Says Grover with much pride, “We are already available in foreign markets. In 2001, we accomplished an extraordinary feat that was once next to impossible, which is, Grover Vineyards started selling wine to France, the kingdom of wine making! From humble beginnings then, we have also started exporting wines to highly critical markets like UK and USA. Grover wines have been greatly appreciated by the trade and consumers alike in foreign markets.”
Today we are exporting 2,50,000 bottles a year, and we are targeting a growth rate of 30 % year on year. Our wines have been appreciated because Indian cuisine is popular abroad which gave us a direct entry abroad unlike Chileans & Austrians.. Also, I would not say that we did not have challenges to meet.. Indian wine has made massive progress over the last 10- 15 years and it has become more palatable now. People are developing taste for fine wines and this has further encouraged us to constantly focus on improving the final product at our end.
Our wines are famous for their quality and taste. Moreover, healthy competition is always welcome. Those with a good palate for good wines have appreciated our wines, which has encouraged us to make even better wines. Recently, Mr. Michel Rolland, the French wine consultant to the only Vineyards in India inaugurated their renovated winery in Bangalore. The winery has a state-of-the art barrel room. In addition to the existing 200 barrels, as mentioned earlier, we have added
200 more barrels for the production of La Reserve. Earlier we had a production of 1.2 million bottles, now with the new renovated winery, we are looking at 2.4 million bottles, which is almost double. But Mr. Grover would not like to share the investment figures..
However he is very bullish about wines. Wine has become popular among all age groups. Indians are much more aware of their wine which has further helped them in food pairing. Actually, it’s just the beginning and there is a great future of wine industry in India. This makes us more confident to produce quality wines for them.
Courtesy: http://www.ambrosiaindia.com