Beverage and Bar news, features and trends from around the worldhttp://www.tulleeho.com/bevnewsBANGALORE: United Spirits, the world's largest liquor company by volume, is shifting its focus to by pushing high-margin premium brands and reducing costs by investing in backend businesses.http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-01/news/31012915_1_united-spirits-ashok-capoor-diageo-plcWed, 1 Feb 2012 11:00:17 GMTSpiritsAspri Spirits Pvt Ltd has tied up with Luxemborg-based SPI Group to market and distribute two products of their international Stolichnaya vodka range – Stolichnaya Red premium and Ultra Luxury Elit by Stoli. http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?sid=24&aid=12656Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:58:39 GMTSpiritsMUMBAI: Airport retail business in India topped $1 billion in revenue during 2011, on the back of robust growth in passenger traffic and more people shopping on the go, according to a boutique retail consultancy. The business is growing at 17-18 annually, emerging as a viable platform for retailers and operators of the new airports, according to Bangalore-based consulting firm Asipac Projects.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Airport-retail-business-tops-1-billion-revenue/articleshow/11680714.cmsMon, 30 Jan 2012 22:12:29 GMTSpiritsMUMBAI/CHENNAI: Vijay Mallya's spirits empire suffered a sharp erosion of sales in Tamil Nadu, the country's largest branded spirits market , in a development that shows how even the leader remains vulnerable in a heavily state controlled industry, said sources directly familiar with the matter. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Sales-dip-in-Tamil-Nadu-Indias-largest-branded-spirits-market/articleshow/11680841.cmsMon, 30 Jan 2012 21:54:13 GMTSpiritsYork Wines intends to build an inventory of up to 25 rooms at its winery as part of the ram up of its wine tourism infrastructure. http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?aid=12590&sid=1Tue, 24 Jan 2012 28:10:53 GMTWineThe US chain's coffee shops may open in the second half of this year. US-based coffee giant Starbucks is fine tuning its plans to set up stores in the country in partnership with Tata Coffee. The two parties are likely to announce the blueprint by the end of this month.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/finally-tata-coffee-to-bring-starbucks-to-india/462351/Thu, 20 Dec 2012 25:45:43 GMTCoffeeLiquor sales aren't down, although the pace of growth in consumption has slowed, meaning that more Indians are drinking at homehttp://www.livemint.com/articles/2012/01/20234707/Party-over-for-pubs-restauran.htmlSun, 23 Dec 2012 25:43:42 GMTFnBFour to six new or remodeled stores in Southern California will offer alcoholic drinks by the end of this year, as will some shops in Atlanta and Chicago.http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-starbucks-beer-20120124,0,5910879.story?track=udMon, 24 Dec 2012 24:00:09 GMTFnBChivas Brothers is introducing a new look for its Plymouth gin brand, re-positioning it above Beefeater 24, as a “super premium-plus”. http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2678/Plymouth_is_re-positioned_as_a_super_premium-plus_gin__.htmlWed, 18 Jan 2012 11:27:16 GMTSpiritsUnited Spirits may be forced to consider teaming with a multinational drinks partner to fend off the financial pitfalls facing its parent company, The UB Group.http://www.just-drinks.com/news/ub-group-travails-to-force-united-spirits-hand_id105980.aspxWed, 11 Jan 2012 28:22:17 GMTSpiritsUnited Spirits didn't buy Whyte & Mackay for the group's bulk Scotch whisky business, as is now being demonstrated.http://www.just-drinks.com/comment/comment-united-spirits-distils-vision-for-whyte-mackay_id105951.aspxFri, 6 Jan 2012 09:38:57 GMTWhiskeyBANGALORE: Pernod Ricard India has rolled out superior versions of Blender's Pride and Royal Stag whiskies, after posting 30 value growth from its locally made whiskies last year. The French distiller says that Blenders Pride Reserve Collection is nowhttp://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/liquor/pernod-ricard-india-rolls-out-costliest-whisky-in-india/articleshow/11298361.cmsFri, 30 Dec 2011 23:09:21 GMTWhiskeyTeacher's has launched Teacher's Scotch-based ready to drink (RTD) beverage Teacher's & Cola and Teacher's & Soda having a 4.8 per cent ABV and available in a premixed can. http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?sid=23&aid=12439Tue, 27 Dec 2011 07:10:39 GMTWhiskeyWith the recent success of Pizza Hut outlets that serve wine and beer, the restaurant chain plans to open 25 more in 2012. “We are planning to open 25 stores in this particular format. We have received tremendous response to this new format of our business, said Sunay Bhasin, Marketing head, Pizza Hut India.http://www.indiahospitalityreview.com/news/pizza-hut-plans-open-25-outlets-serving-wine-and-beerTue, 27 Dec 2011 06:50:38 GMTFnBFrom cup noodles to Pokemon, there's a range of Japanese products that have surprised people here by becoming much more popular overseas than most in the country of origin ever thought possible. Is Japanese whisky the next in line?http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2011/12/26/whisky-japans-next-big-export-industry/Mon, 26 Dec 2011 27:56:24 GMTWhiskeyThe chief executive of Remy Martin on refocusing on India, eternal optimism and cognac mojitoshttp://www.livemint.com/2011/12/16211029/Patrick-Piana--The-sweet-smel.htmlSat, 17 Dec 2011 11:30:52 GMTSpiritsAustralia based coffee chain, Gloria Jean's Coffees, is planning to expand aggressively in the Indian market by opening 36-40 outlets a year and three outlets a month. It plans to open 400 outlets in the next 11 years.http://www.indiahospitalityreview.com/news/gloria-jeans-coffees-plans-expand-indiaTue, 20 Dec 2011 07:42:52 GMTCoffeeFrom the collapse of Oddbins to concerns over this year's vintages in California and Australia, via the break up of Foster's and Beam Global going it alone on the stock market, 2011 has been a pretty tumultuous year for the industry. Look back over the major stories of the year with us here.http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2011/12/top-10-drinks-stories-of-2011/Wed, 21 Dec 2011 28:38:36 GMTSpiritsNEW DELHI: There is something to cheer in the New Year. The government appears set to slash import duty on wines and spirits imported from Europe to under 50 from 150 at present, in a move that will make French wine and Scotch whisky more attractive to tipplers.http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-12-23/news/30550904_1_import-duty-imported-wine-french-wineFri, 23 Dec 2011 28:25:41 GMTPolicyhttp://mumbaiboss.com/2011/12/26/11-openings-to-look-forward-to-in-2012/Mon, 26 Dec 2011 25:40:57 GMTFnBGurgaon A bartender sustained serious burns on his face while he was juggling lit bottles of alcohol during the launch of a nightclub on MG Road early on Saturday morning. Following this, the Fire department slapped a notice on the nightclub, identified as Zygo, situated in the MGF Metropolitan mall, for flouting fire safety norms and endangering lives.http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/bartender-suffers-burns-as-trick-goes-awry/889127/Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:37:08 GMTFnBPernod Ricard is seeking to breathe new life into absinthe by targeting its own namesake brand of the controversial spirit at the arts and fashion world. http://www.just-drinks.com/news/pernod-ricard-eyeing-high-end-absinthe-push_id105835.aspxFri, 16 Dec 2011 09:35:19 GMTSpiritsBeam Inc is to buy Cooley Distillery, the only remaining independent whiskey distillery outside Pernod Ricard and Diageo's operations in Ireland, for close to US$95m.http://www.just-drinks.com/news/beam-agrees-95m-deal-to-buy-cooley_id105841.aspxFri, 16 Dec 2011 09:31:49 GMTWhiskeyBilled as its super-premium expressions, Beam has released Teacher's 25 Year Old and Teacher's Highland Single Malt to global markets. The launch took place in India, a strong market for the brand due to the success of Teacher's Highland Cream, Teacher's 50 – 12 Years Old and the recently introduced innovation Teacher's Origin.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2629/Beam_launches__super_premium__Teacher_s_from_India.htmlFri, 16 Dec 2011 09:29:44 GMTWhiskeyStolichnaya vodka has launched The Himalayan Edition, the first release of its new Pristine Water Series. The new line, which is an off-shoot from Stolichnaya's 'ultra premium' Elit vodka, is priced at US$3,000 and numbers only 300 bottles globally. According to Stolichnaya, the Himalayan Edition uses water of “unparalleled quality”, sourced from the Langtang National Park, in the Himalayan Mountains.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2627/Stoli_launches_The_Himalayan_Edition.htmlWed, 14 Dec 2011 27:33:28 GMTSpiritsBangalore is quickly becoming a top city for wine lovers. We trace the trends that tell us so….http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_now-trending-on-the-grapevine_1625152Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:11:58 GMTWineKarnataka-based Indian Ambience Vineyards that sells organic wine under the brand name Yana has raised angel funding from Srini Chakwal.http://www.vccircle.com/500/news/indian-ambience-vineyards-ecopaper-get-angel-funding-from-chakwalMon, 12 Dec 2011 29:06:33 GMTWineNashik-based Sula Vineyards, which recently diversified into the hospitality sector by setting up a 25-room hotel near Gangapur Dam near Nashik, is looking to set up wine bars across the country. The emphasis of the company is to primarily grow in tier II cities.http://www.indiahospitalityreview.com/news/sula-vineyards-looking-set-wine-bars-tier-ii-cities-across-indiaTue, 13 Dec 2011 28:54:58 GMTFnBEDUCATING the average drinker on the qualities of firewater, and how to best enjoy it, has been one of the central credos of the new generation of mixologists. “Knowledge!” they cry, as they throw back shots of Fernet-Branca. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/dining/the-myths-at-the-bar-debunked.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=yWed, 7 Dec 2011 27:33:31 GMTSpiritsSteps like reopening of cinemas and liquor sale would boost the tourism industry in the state, he said. The minister for new and renewable energy was addressing a function to celebrate the birth anniversary of his father and National Conference founder Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah here.http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-12-06/news/30478126_1_liquor-shops-cinemas-farooq-abdullahTue, 6 Dec 2011 28:22:19 GMTPolicyVijay Mallya and Kishore Chhabria are set to take their fight over India's largest selling whisky brand to the wire.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/officers-choice-one-suitor-too-many/457787/Wed, 7 Dec 2011 28:20:51 GMTWhiskeyNew Delhi: With beer consumption rising in the metros and major towns, top global brewers like Molson Coors, Duvel and Anheuser-Busch InBev are exploring options to set up breweries in India. Germany-based Rolec is also in the country now, while Amsterdam's Heineken already set up its first brewery in Maharashtra earlier this year. http://www.financialexpress.com/news/big-business-brews-as-global-brands-cash-in-on-demand/884743/0Wed, 7 Dec 2011 11:05:44 GMTBeerTASTING whiskies can be a clinical, prosaic task, nosing and assessing, jotting notes, reconsidering, lips compressed in concentration, brow furrowed. Yet, as the spirits panel tasted 20 single malts from Islay, we reminded ourselves to step back a moment, to contemplate with no small amount of awe the magic of what was in the glass. Islay demands a sense of wonder. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/dining/reviews/whisky-from-islay-scotland-spirits-of-the-times.html?_r=1&src=daypTue, 6 Dec 2011 10:50:32 GMTWhiskeyGruppo Campari's regional director for Asia has said that the Italian group expects to double its volume sales in India within five years.http://www.just-drinks.com/news/gruppo-campari-eyes-deals-india-growth_id105733.aspxMon, 5 Dec 2011 27:46:20 GMTSpiritsNEW DELHI: The world's largest privately held spirits company Bacardi will look to boost India growth story through acquisitions, said its global chief executive officer Seamus McBride. India emerged as the fastest developing market for Bacardi this year with more people entering the legal drinking age in the second most rapidly growing Asian economy. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Bacardi-bullish-on-buyouts-to-grow-in-India/articleshow/10950438.cmsFri, 2 Dec 2011 22:32:36 GMTSpiritsPUNE: A debt restructuring package from the National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (Nabard), a little surge in demand due to Christmas and New Year and a reduction in entry barriers by some states have revived the hopes of sick wine industry in Maharashtra. The wineries are expecting more crushing in the next year. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/liquor/sick-wine-industry-sees-signs-of-revival/articleshow/10987144.cmsMon, 5 Dec 2011 22:33:10 GMTWineIrish Distillers Pernod Ricard has confirmed it will spend €100m on the 2012 expansion of its Midleton Single Distillery, the site where Jameson is produced. http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2600/Irish_Distillers_confirms__A3100m_expansion.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=e-mail&utm_campaign=Drinks%2BInternational%2Bweekly%2BnewsletterFri, 2 Dec 2011 22:29:30 GMTWhiskeyIndian malt whisky brand Amrut has launched a whisky matured in port barrels, named Portonova, to global markets. The Bangalore distillery matured unpeated spirit in new American oak and ex-Bourbon barrels before transferring the liquid into once-used port pipes and a final stage of maturation in ex-Bourbon casks.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2599/Amrut_imports_port_barrels_for_Portonova_release.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=e-mail&utm_campaign=Drinks%2BInternational%2Bweekly%2BnewsletterFri, 2 Dec 2011 22:27:38 GMTWhiskeyDhanpal of Auma wins the Angostura leg and is off to Trinidad and Tobago and Abhishek of Smokehouse Room, Mehrauli wins the Monin Cup and is off to Paris, both to compete in the global finals. Sure they will do India proud and wishing them luck!http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.400679829985.55725.16725489985&type=1Fri, 2 Dec 2011 29:03:18 GMTCocktailsThe barter economy is alive and well in Scotland. We just swap trucks says Ludovic Ludo Ducrocq, the Global ambassador for William Grant and Sons, the largest family owned whisky company in Scotland, currently run by the 5th generation of the Grant family. http://tulleeho.blogspot.com/2011/12/grants-tasting.htmlFri, 2 Dec 2011 27:57:34 GMTWhiskeyA sobering look at the reality of teen drinking in Bangalore. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/cracking-the-bar-code/878139/0Thu, 20 Oct 2011 28:00:01 GMTPolicyNashik-based Valle de Vin, maker of Zampa wines, will merge with Bengaluru-based Grover Vineyards within a month to create the country's second largest vintner after Sula Vineyards in India. The merged company will be called Gover Zampa Pvt Ltd. This information was given by Deepak Roy, Owner, Valle de Vin.http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?sid=24&aid=12259Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:24:04 GMTWineDelhiites will no longer have to travel all the way to Gurgaon to enjoy freshly brewed beer. Soon, tipplers in Delhi will have their own ‘micro brewpubs' to get their beer brewed to the specific taste they prefer in terms of flavour, bitterness, viscosity and other variables. Delhi government's excise department has drafted a proposal to allow microbreweries in city's restaurants and pubs. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/City-pubs-may-soon-serve-freshly-brewed-beer/Article1-774061.aspxFri, 25 Nov 2011 07:31:32 GMTFnBIrish House – a new pub has been launched at Phoenix Mills, in Mumbai. Sunil Kapur, the founding promoter of iconic F&B ventures like Copper Chimney, Blue Foods, Travel Food Services and Blue Sea has opened the pub. According to the company release, it has one of the largest island bars in Mumbai. http://www.indiahospitalityreview.com/news/irish-house-opens-phoenix-mills-mumbaiTue, 29 Nov 2011 28:44:00 GMTFnBAmid rising prices of foreign liquor, its country cousin is retaining its traditional devotees while gaining new ones in Maharashtrahttp://www.livemint.com/2011/11/23210054/Boom-time-for-country-liquor.htmlWed, 23 Nov 2011 10:51:00 GMTSpiritshttp://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2557/World_s_50_Best_Bars_magazine_now_online.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=e-mail&utm_campaign=Drinks%2BInternational%2Bweekly%2BnewsletterFri, 11 Nov 2011 27:44:13 GMTFnBI have always preferred the new world styled wines more because they are fruit driven and suit my (read “Indian”) palate very well. Chile is my preferred choice because of the quality it offers for the price. On the 17th November 2011, I knew I was gonna be spoilt for choice with an exclusive Chilean wine tasting oraganised by ProChile an arm of the Chilean Embassy at Tote on the Turf, Race course.http://tulleeho.blogspot.com/Tue, 22 Nov 2011 27:18:52 GMTWineTo appeal to the crème-de-la crème, Italian coffee roaster Lavazza is here with a new format Espression. The first of its speciality format recently unveiled in Delhi, will be gradually extended to Bangalore and Mumbai. The company is targeting 30 such stores over the course of three years. Unlike the company's other international retail formats like Caffe di Roma (Spain), Onda (Bulgaria) and Barista (India), with Lavazza Espression the ambition is to develop a global coffee retail brand.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/lavazza-brews-big-plans-for-india/456313/Wed, 23 Nov 2011 27:17:51 GMTCoffeeThe Scotch Whisky Association is urging India to cut its 150 tariff on imported spirits. A delegation is currently in India to highlight the issue.http://www.drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/2564/SWA_urges_India_to_cut_imported_spirits_tariff.htmlTue, 15 Nov 2011 08:45:15 GMTWhiskeyNEW DELHI: Finally, top-end wines and spirits and automobiles may cost less with India softening its position on reducing import duty on these products shipped from the European Union. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/eu-india-import-duty-top-end-european-cars-wine-may-get-cheaper/articleshow/10810253.cmsSun, 27 Nov 2011 27:17:52 GMTPolicy