New Delhi, Delhi, India
United Spirits Limited (USL), the flagship company of the Dr. Vijay Mallya-owned UB Group, today launched The Dalmore and Jura single malts and the W&M range of blended Scotches. The company also plans to soon introduce the rare and prestige range of the Whyte and Mackay brands, in the Indian market. The launch of this carefully selected basket of brands marks USL's entry into the super premium segment of Scotch whisky in India.
"Jura Single Malt and Whyte & Mackay blended Scotch are amongst the finest global brands and we are very proud to introduce them in India. The increasingly discerning Indian consumer will appreciate the taste and the rare blend crafted by the third generation master blender preserving the rich Scottish heritage and tradition," said Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman, UB Group while speaking about the launch.
"It will be an engaging experience for the value-conscious consumers, who enjoy a repertoire of single malts and special whiskies, as they unveil the secret of Whyte and Mackay's unmatched global admiration," Dr. Mallya added.
Whyte & Mackay, the fourth largest Scotch whisky producer in the world, has a significant global Scotch market share of 8%. With its acquisition, USL has not only narrowed the gap to become the second largest spirits company in the world, but also marked its entry into the super premium spirits market in India.
Said Mr. Vijay Rekhi, President, United Spirits Ltd., "There is a large segment of consumers raring to make a shift to the premium spirits segment especially Scotches. We plan to invest significantly towards growing the Scotch market in the country and use our marketing finesse and distribution strength to make a distinct impact on the fledgling yet promising Indian market for Scotches."
"This is also a very significant moment for United Spirits as it enters the super premium segment, a segment that is synonymous with luxury and tradition. The products will be available in fine dining restaurants, clubs, hotels and retail, initially in Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. It will then gradually be introduced across the country," added Mr. Rekhi.
Jura Single Malt, one of fastest growing premium single malt whiskies in the world, is produced in a 180-year-old distillery on the Isle of Jura, a 7-mile wide and 30-mile long tiny island off The Islay in Scotland. The tiny island, rich in history, myths and superstitions, is inhabited by 5,000 deer and 180 people and boasts of only one shop, one pub, and a bank that comes only once a week.
Jura's single malts have won numerous awards and are distinguished for their subtle flavours that are dramatically different to the peaty whiskies from the neighboring island of Islay. Jura offers 10-year old, Jura Superstition, and 16-year old with its characteristic peaty tang.
Whyte & Mackay blended Scotch whisky today features amongst the top choices of the Scots. The time-honoured Double Marriage Blending process that Whyte and Mackay has mastered since its inception more than a century and half ago, which adds an extra year of maturation, is the secret behind its rich, smooth flavour. It will be available in 13, 19 and 22 year old variants.
The entry for USL into the Indian super premium liquor market is very well timed. In India, scotch whisky has been growing at an astounding rate of close to (40%) per annum. With the economy booming and with changing lifestyles, a significant section of the Indian population is keen to experience premium brands across product categories. The desire to consume premium whisky and the consequent change in the drinking habits is a reflection of the same premiumization trend. USL strongly believes that the Whyte and Mackay brands will catapult it to create stronger and better engagements with the aspiring ambassadors of style and good taste.
About Whyte & Mackay
Founded in 1844, Whyte & Mackay, world's 4th largest Scotch Whisky producer with a global market share of 8%, possesses a rich heritage in the Scotch Whisky business. Its brand portfolio includes Single malts (Isle of Jura, Dalmore, Tamnavulin, Fettercairn), Blended Scotch (Whyte and Mackay, Mackinlays, Claymore, John Barr) and Whisky Liqueur (Glayva) and Vodka (Vladivar). The brand has a worldwide presence in all key markets, with an especially strong European presence. The supply side of W & M is very strong; it has control over 22% of the non-captive grain whisky supply and over Scotch Whisky stocks equivalent to 40mm cases.
About United Spirits Limited (USL)
United Spirits Limited (USL) is the INR 4000 crore spirits arm of the UB Group. USL was earlier McDowell and Company Limited and before that McDowell Spirits Limited. USL is headquartered in Bangalore with a global footprint and has 6000 employees across various locations. USL has a portfolio of more than 104 brands, of which 17 are millionaire brands* and has manufacturing and bottling units in 67 locations across the country.
USL represents the merged entities of erstwhile McDowell & Co. Limited, Phipson Distillery Limited, United Spirits Limited, Herbertsons Limited, Triumph Distillers and Vinters Private Limited, Baramati Grape Industries Limited, United Distillers India Limited, McDowell International Brands Limited and Shaw Wallace Distilleries Limited. The erstwhile McDowell & Co. Limited was first established as a proprietary business in 1826. For detailed information, please visit www.unitedspirits.in
*Millionaire Brands are those that sell more than a million cases per annum.
Source: United Spirits Limited (Business Wire India)
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