The Calcutta Port Trust (CPT) served a notice to Britannia Industries to vacate the Taratala premises. Britannia Industries is working in the Taratala premises for more than sixty years now. The CPT, which is the owner of the land, served the notice to the confectionary giant following a dispute over rent. As per the notice, the company would have to vacate the premises by the end of October. Dispute between Britannia and CPT arose when the Calcutta Port Trust sought to raise the rent in 1997. Britannia moved the matter to the Calcutta High Court in 1999 as the company felt that the raise was due only in 2002. The notice to Britannia comes in the aftermath of the High Court’s dismissal of the petition.

United Spirits Ltd., the largest liquor maker of India, raised Rs. 1,615 crore from private placement of shares with qualified institutional buyers. The net proceeds of the raised amount would be utilised to repay the debt which the company incurred while acquiring Whyte and Mackay Group, the Scottish whiskey maker.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) recently hosted a seminar on American whiskey at the Le Meridien Hotel. The seminar introduced consumers, key members of the hospitality industry, and the media to the heritage, distinct flavours and true versatility of the American whiskeys. Here it deserves a mention that the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is a national trade association representing U.S. producers, marketers and exporters of distilled spirits products. Frank Coleman, Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications at DISCUS, commenced the presentation by discussing the history, heritage and unique qualities of American whiskies. He commented, “American whiskeys are increasing in popularity in India and represent a small, but growing segment of India’s imported whiskey market. We would like more Indians to understand the nuances of American whiskeys and how mixable they are in cocktails.” Coleman also pointed out that a reduction in the high import tariffs on imported spirits would translate into greater choices and more affordable American whiskeys for the Indian consumers. The highlight of the seminar was the tasting by New York mixologist Toby Cecchini, who explained the various American whiskey brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Woodford Reserve, and Maker’s Mark. Introducing several whiskey-based cocktails such as a Bourbon Manhattan and Tamarind Sour, which are specially suited for the Indian palate, Toby said, “The basic makeup of American whiskey is different from those in the rest of the world; American Bourbon and Tennessee whiskeys primarily use corn, while other whiskeys use different grains.” In addition, American distilling laws for Bourbon and Tennessee whiskeys require that they be aged for a minimum of two years in charred, new oak barrels; never used ones. Most receive at least four years or more of ageing. This makes for a spirit that is often described as having a deep natural colour and sweet, rich flavour. Toby added, “Because of this profile, I find that American whiskeys in general make excellent ingredients for a wide range of cocktails. They have an extra deep dimension of sweetness and spice to draw from, and where citrus in particular is concerned, they marry with other cocktail components very well. Cocktails, of course, are an American invention, which we take very seriously, so we have an entire culture predicated on them. Bourbon and Rye whiskeys are an integral part of that history, and one I am excited to bring to drinkers in India.”

Roberto Cavalli, one of the renowned names in the world of fashion, entered the heady market of wines and spirits a few years ago, with the launch of the ultra-premium Roberto Cavalli Vodka. This luxurious brand was recently introduced to India. Aspri Spirits Pvt. Ltd. the leading importers and distributors of premium wines and spirits in India, launched this ultra-premium brand of vodka and also ‘Cavalli Tenuta Degli Dei’ wine in India.
To celebrate this occasion, Aspri Spirits organised an exclusive cocktail evening at Hotel Shangri-la on 27th November 2009. Present on the occasion was Tommaso Cavalli, the son of the legendary fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, along with an array of glitterati from the Delhi high society. Tommaso Cavalli is responsible for Roberto Cavalli Vodka worldwide, except USA.
Here it deserves a mention that Roberto Cavalli Vodka is the first vodka to be made entirely in Italy. It is a vodka made from the pristine waters of the Monta Rosa slopes, using the finest quality grains grown in the valleys where the south-western Alps meets the river Po, and flitered through flakes of Italian Carrara marble. Using the singular production technique endows this brand with an exclusive character.
Also showcased during the event was the award winning wine from the Cavalli family—Cavalli Tenuta Degli Dei— whose 25,000 bottles were recently released to the world markets. The wine was carefully watched in the cellars for three years. The wine of Tommaso and Roberto Cavalli is in fact not the fruit of a single vineyard, but of two territories—one at Panzano in Chianti and the other in the foothills of Florence—whose characteristics complement each other.
Speaking at the celebrations, Tommaso Cavalli voiced his happiness over entering the Indian market “with a strong partner like Aspri Spirits.” He added, “Roberto Cavalli Vodka is superior in quality and in taste. Having the drink means enjoying the extraordinary experience of a pleasure that is unique. The captivating and intense taste of Roberto Cavalli Vodka has received tremendous response from international markets, and I am sure India will enjoy it as well.”

The dairy sector of India is facing a huge shortage of milk powder as the procurement of milk has been disproportionate to the rising demand. The major dairy players are resisting the releasing of their existing stocks, fearing a lean season ahead. The poor monsoon and the rising cost of the cattle feed is also affecting the availability and price of milk powder in India. Due to the soaring prices of milk powder in the international market, importing the product is also not seen as a viable option by the dairy players. Some of the players also feel that existing tax structure also discourages import of skimmed milk powder.
During these hard times, most of the players are turning to Karnataka to meet the demand. Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF) and National Dairy Development Board are planning to procure milk powder from Karnataka Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation Ltd. Unless some corrective measures such as making cheap cattle feed available to the farmers are taken, prices of most milk products are expected to go up.

Coca-Cola is set to introduce its energy drink ‘Burn’ in the month of December. Instead of distributing the drink through conventional retail stores, Burn would first be made available in the pubs, gyms, select modern outlets, etc. The marketing strategy is changed after its ‘Shock’, introduced in 2001, failed to make a mark. Burn is already available in global market, in various quantities.

PepsiCo has announced plans to establish four food and beverage plants in India. Out of the four projects, slated to come up by 2012, three would be beverage plants and one would be on food. The sites for the projects, three of which would be Greenfield projects, are yet to be decided. The announcement confirms that India remains a major focus for PepsiCo. The exact amount of investment is not yet known.