UB to step up vinous offer

Indian drinks giant UB Group is looking to increase its wine business, and is planning to launch at least 30 brands in the market by early next year.

The company already has a stranglehold on the Indian beer and spirits market, generating revenues of $1.65 billion. Sanjay Roy, head of marketing and sales says, “we are market leaders in spirits and beer. Obviously we want to become leaders in wines as well.”

UB is owned by flamboyant billionaire Dr Vijay Mallaya. Its portfolio includes a broad range of domestic spirits brands (which make up the vast majority of the company’s 66m 9l-case volume), Whyte & Mackay Scotch whisky and Kingfisher – one of the only Indian brands to have succeeded in international markets.

Currently it distributes over 20 wines, sourced from France, Australia and New Zealand. According to Roy, “the idea is to offer an entire range of wines from various regions and countries across the world.” He also reveals that the company will imminently be launching two Indian wine brands, Zinzi and Four Seasons.

Ben Grant, 28/11/07