SIL eyes winery in Himachal

In an effort to spread its juice market across the country, Seabuckthorn Indage Ltd (SIL) is considering setting up a world-class winery in Himachal Pradesh by early next year.

Although the location is yet to be decided, company sources say the R&D facility will also be developed along with the winery.

"The winery will be functional by January next year," said M S Dhanota, president, SIL, recently.

"SIL began operations in January this year under the brand name 'Leh Berry'. It has a large presence in the fruit nectar segment of the packaged juice market," he said.

In less than a year, SIL plans to capture 10 per cent of the Rs 300 crore nectar segment and faces competition from Tropicana and Real (Dabur), among others.

The total juice market in India is about Rs 800 crore, in three large segments--fruit drinks, fruit nectar and 100 per cent juices.

In December it was reported the Indage group of industries would set a winery at Nagwain in Mandi district, apart from a fruit winery in Pragatinagar. Both the wineries will cost around Rs 50 crore.