UB group brewing scotch gameplan

The UB group is set to unveil a mega scotch whiskey gameplan. The company, which is understood to be moving ahead with the $250 million bid to acquire some well known brands of Whyte & Mackay, is in the process of making inroads in the Indian market with its own range of scotch brands.

Said Vijay Rekhi, president, United Spirits, "The scotch whiskey market is pretty big and we are going aggressively to capitalise opportunities here. With an annual growth rate of over 40 per cent, the scotch whiskey market is the fastest growing segment in the overall Indian whiskey market. A significant change in the consumption habit of Indian consumers is evident, with scotch whiskey today consumed by a much younger profile of men and women, who see it as a lifestyle statement and an indulgence."

UB sold 25,000 cases of scotch whiskey (Black Dog Deluxe 12-year-old) during the last financial year, and is looking at 30-40 per cent growth in the current year (close to 40,000 cases).

UB recently launched Black Dog Centenary Scotch Whiskey (8-year-old) at a lower price than the 12-year-old and expects to sell around 40,000"�50,000 cases of this new product in the year.

"The 12-year-old scotch is priced at around Rs 1,200 for 750 ml, while the new product has been priced at Rs 875, thus widening its reach. Going forward, we want to bring in brands at lower as well as higher price points, to plug gaps in our portfolio. We are also mulling to launch a high-end premium brand of scotch (18-year-old pure malt) for the Indian consumers," added

Rekhi. Declining to share details on the UB group's bid for brands of Whyte & Mackay, Rekhi said, "If the deal materialises, the possibilities are endless for us."

According to industry sources, the UB group is putting up a $250 million bid for Whyte & Mackay brands such as Scotch whiskies

Whyte & Mackay and Isle of Jura, as well as Vladivar vodka.