Katra group to expand ayurveda business

The Rs 2,000 crore Katra Group is scouting for franchise partners all over the country to expand its ayurveda business.

At present, Kerala Ayurveda Limited has 30 clinics, two hospitals, one resort and over 1700 original herbs.

Talking to Business Standard, Ramesh Vangal, chairman, Katra Group, said, "We are also looking at acquisitions in US to grow the ayurveda brand overseas. We have recently acquired three operations in US and is looking for more to increase our ayurveda footprint."

Vangal claimed Indians and people living overseas are tired of western medicines and want to try a form of medicine that ensures lasting results like ayurveda.

The group also aims to launch several alcobev brands and mark a foray into the 'mass' segment under Mason & Summers Alcobev Private Ltd, its liquor company.

"At present, with three variants in single malt premium whisky, Mason & Summers operates in the niche alcobev market prices for which range between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 for a 750 ml bottle. We are looking at launching new brands and price them such that they cater to the mass market as well," informed Vangal.

The company has launched Glen Drummond, the first single malt scotch whisky, and Royal Crown, a rare deluxe whisky.

"We will be launching new brands soon. The group has allocated substantial investments towards the growth of Mason & Summers, which are primarily targeted at brand building and quality enhancements," said Vangal.

The total scotch whisky consumption in the country is estimated at 530,000 cases per annum, while total single malt scotch whisky consumption is estimated at 20,000 cases per annum. The company has eight bottling units in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.