Author Archives: Bhavya Desai

Marrying ethanol with petrol the need of the hour

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In an interview with Ambrosia, V.N. Raina, Director General, AIDA, stresses on the need to blend 10% of ethanol with Petrol to save valuable foreign exchange for the country.

What is the current situation of ethanol production in India?

The production of ethanol for mixing with petrol was introduced in the country during the year 2006-07. Ethanol is an important bio-fuel and is blended with petrol under EBP programme. It is an important component of national bio fuels programme. Ethanol is a source of energy which is indigenous, non polluting and virtually inexhaustible.Therefore to promote this bio fuel, the govt. has scaled up the blending targets which are given below:-

Production of Surplus grains declared (2018-19)

S.No.               Products Qty                 ( Lac Tonnes)

1                        Maize                            30-40

2                        Bajra                             9.00

3                       Jawar                             4.70

The initial aim was to mix 5% ethanol with petrol by the season 2016-17. However, to promote bio fuel the govt. scaled up the blending targets from 5% to 10% to be achieved by the season 2021-22 under Ethanol Blended with Petrol Programme (EBP). However, due to various reasons implementation of this programme was not seriously taken up till the year 2017 when the govt. notified the programme. But with all the efforts of the govt. and the distillery industry producing ethanol from molasses 5% blending could not be achieved even till the year 2016-17, However, during the current year 2018-19 (closing 30th Nov. 2018) total blending of approx. 6.2% has already been achieved. This also included the ethanol produced from grains “not fit for human consumption” to supplement the ethanol supplies.

The entire ethanol game plan envisaged by the govt. Can be explained in nutshell as below:

Centre has set a target of 10% ethanol blending by petrol by 2022, leading to forex savings of `12,000 crores a year.

There was 3.5% blending in 2016-17 sugar season and 4.0% in 2015-16.

Nationwide average for ethanol blending stood at 4.02% as on Oct.1

The latest proposal will allow ethanol production from surplus quantities of maize, jawar and bajra, as well as other feedstock such as fruit and vegetable wastes.

Ethanol blending in petrol has risen from 38 crore litres in supply year 2013-14 to an estimated 146 crore litres in 2017-18.

What are the incentives being given by the government to ramp up the production given the increasing ethanol requirements in India?

The Govt. first introduced financial assistance scheme by extending financial assistance through spot loans to sugar mill attached distilleries to set up plant and machinery for production and enhancement of ethanol production capacities in the country. Many distilleries attached to sugar mills applied for and received the financial assistance form the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Distribution, GOI enabling them to put up distilleries and ethanol production equipment. The financial scheme included facility of interest subvention @ 6% per annum or 50% of rate of interest charged by banks, whichever is lower with certain conditions.

In order to augment ethanol production capacity and thereby also allow diversion of sugar for production of ethanol, in principal approval has been granted for extension of soft loan of `6139 crores though banks to the mills for setting up new distilleries /expansion of existing distilleries and installation of incineration boilers or installation of any method as approved by Central Pollution Control Board for Zero Liquid Discharge for which Government will bear interest subvention of `1332 crore. About 114 sugar mills are likely to be benefitted as a result of this measure and ethanol production capacity of sugar mills in the country is likely to be enhanced by about 200 crore litres per annum in the coming three years.

The Govt. has notified a new scheme on 08.03.2019 for extending financial assistance to sugar mills for enhancement and augmentation of ethanol production capacity. Under the scheme Govt. would bear `2,790 core towards interest subvention for extending indicative loan amount of `12,900 crore by banks to the sugar mills for augmentation of ethanol producing capacity.

The Govt. has notified a scheme on 08.03.2019 for extending financial assistance to molasses based stand-alone distilleries. Under the scheme, Govt. would bear `565 cores towards interest subvention for extending indicative loan amount of `2600 crore by banks to the molasses based stand-alone distilleries to augment their ethanol production capacity.

On further request from distillery industry and All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA), govt. has also agreed to consider financial assistance on the same condition to grain based distilleries for producing ethanol. Many distilleries have already applied. In the meantime loans have been sanctioned as far as molasses based distilleries are concerned. The scheme for loans to grain based distilleries is also under consideration of the govt. This step will provide further possible resources towards increasing the production of ethanol under EBP Programme.

What are the current requirements of ethanol and are there any deficit and how are they bridging it?

The current requirement as per the programme of introducing 10% blending by the year 2022 requires approximately 300 crore ltrs. of ethanol. The govt. has announced various incentives and financial assistance to the industry. It is hoped by the closing of the year 2019-20 when new distilleries would have gone up including increase in existing production capacities in the existing units due to the positive steps taken by the govt., the 10% blending will be achieved by the year 2020- 21/22.

The prices announced for Ethanol for supply year 2019-20 (1st Dec. 2019 – 30 Nov. 2020) are:

S.No.                            Products                                              Price (Rs.) / BL

1                                   “C” Heavy Molasses                            43.75

2                                   “B” Heavy Molasses                            54.27

3                                   Sugarcane Juice                                   59.48 + GST & Transportation charges

The revision of prices of ethanol supplied from grains is also under consideration by the govt. in consultation with the distillery industry

In addition the govt. has also taken steps in consultation with the industry to set up and revise the prices of ethanol from time to time so that the industry feels protected about the production and supply of ethanol. A very recent price increase has been introduced by the govt. 01.01.2019, which now will bring the price of ethanol from various sources to the level given below w.e.f. 01/12/2019.

The revision of prices of ethanol supplied from grains is also under consideration by the govt. in consultation with the distillery industry.

The govt. of India very rightly announced use of surplus grains in addition to the spoilt and damaged grains for production of ethanol. The govt. has declared following surplus grains under this policy which could be used for production of ethanol for the year 2018-19. It will be further increased and announced from time to time by the govt. in consultation with the concerned departments. The present quantities of availability of surplus grains in the country which could be used by distilleries for production of ethanol are as below:

Will the petroleum companies be able to absorb the new price increase?

The setting up of prices are being announced by the govt. of India in consultation with the petroleum companies and it has been agreed that the prices have to be revised from time to time if the need be, to ensure continuous supply of ethanol and to increase its production as much as possible. The petroleum companies are part of the final prices of ethanol, calculated and announced by the govt.

What is the current requirements of ENA in the liquor industry ? Is there sufficient production to meet the needs of the industry?

Current requirement of ethanol as well as ENA depends upon the production and availability of raw materials for the basic production of Rectified Spirit (R.S)from which ENA and / or ethanol is produced. As per the present scenario the supply of ENA for liquors is being carried out by the industry alongwith supplies of ethanol. However, the market now competitive and has to be kept in mind for prices of liquor which are controlled by the state govts. Considering the market price of the ENA vis-a-vis that of Ethanol, it should be fair to the liquor industry as well.

A good quantity of grain spirit being produced is also in the market now and there sufficient quantity is available both for ENA and Ethanol as per the programme set up by the govt. However, it vastly depends upon competitive pricing and balanced affordability.

What incentives is the government giving for ENA production, both for domestic consumption as well as for exports?

The procurement and supply of ENA for potable purposes comes under the ambit of state govts. and the state govts. have to ensure good prices for IMFL for continuous availability of ENA in the competitive market of alcohol production in the field. The Central Govt. has no role for fixation or revising liquor rates and prices in the market, which is under the govts. of respective states.

What are the alternative feedstocks government is looking at for ethanol production besides traditional molasses and grain? And what are the challenges we have for the same?

The govt. of India has been on the look out for many alternatives, sources and resources for finding out alternative feed stocks for production of Ethanol. The govt. has already considered all feed stocks which are possibly available like agricultural wastes, forest wastes, bagasse, bamboo miscellaneous millets etc. and the research in this regard is continuously being undertaken for selecting and finalising the new feed stocks for production of ethanol.

There is an option under the research programme which will continue for searching out various resources of feed stocks and resources from all fields will be studied provided they are reasonably affordable and competitive with other feedstocks.

Will electric vehicles disrupt the demand for petrol and as a result the demand for ethanol?

No, in the near foreseeable future there is no possible disruption of demand for petrol or ethanol as a result of introducing electric vehicle in the country. The demand for petrol is rather expected to increase rapidly as the number of motor vehicles on the road is increasing by the day.

Meet the Eminent Jury of Teacher’s Golden Thistle Awards 2019

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Bollywood Superstar Anil Kapoor, Cricketing Legends Harbhajan Singh and Krishnamachari Srikkanth, Dance Icon Geeta Chandran, Amongst Other Celebrities, Part of the Panel of Judges for the Awards

For the first time, superstars and celebrities from all walks of life – from Bollywood to Cricket, from India Inc. to F&B – came together to discuss, debate and short-list the nominees for the Teacher’s Golden Thistle Awards 2019. The winners will be announced on 16th November at an illustrious ceremony in Mumbai.

The iconic platform of Teacher’s Achievement Awards has celebrated the spirit of achievement since 2001 with an illustrious list of winners in the past including Ranbir Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Shabana Azmi, Boman Irani, Rahul Dravid, Abhinav Bindra, among others. The long-awaited awards are back in a refreshed avatar as Teacher’s Golden Thistle Awards to recognize and celebrate high-achievers with rare and exemplary achievements across seven categories: Business, Sports, Entertainment, Culture (Culinary Excellence), Genuine Impact (Growing for Good), Forever Genuine (Life Time Achievement) and Teacher’s GQ Special Award. To ensure a fair and thoroughly audited process, Pricewaterhouse Cooper (PwC) was appointed as the Process Validator.



The jury in-charge of making some tough decisions are as follows:



Acclaimed actor and producer, Anil Kapoor has a career that has spanned over 40 years! He is Bollywood royalty and actor par excellence who through discipline and hard work has managed to stay relevant and fit all these years.

A player with equal parts passion and talent, Harbhajan Singh is one of India’s most successful off-spin bowlers. He is a live wire on and off the field and is loved by audiences across the country.

Geeta Chandran is one of the most celebrated classical dancers in India and has been decorated with a Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the country, for her contributions to the field of art. The Bharatanatyam master has also trained a whole generation of artists.

Known as the Indiana Jones of Indian cricket, and rightly so, Krishnamachari Srikkanth is a former captain of the Indian cricket team and former chairman of the BCCI selection committee. His off-pitch personality matches his batting style – entertaining, innovative and explosive.

Manjit Gill is the man behind some of the most iconic restaurants of India – Bukhara and Dum Pukht – that have been delighting foodies for close to 30 years now. The highly acclaimed chef has over four decades of excellence in the culinary profession and has won numerous awards for his work.

While each one of us would have thought of starting a restaurant, some people actually do it and with such success as Farrokh Khambata. He wears many hats – an entrepreneur, restaurateur, chef and caterer – but he has dominated the world of food through his company ‘Catering & Allied’, which owns five restaurants in Mumbai apart from one of the best celebrity catering service.



D. Shiva Kumar is the Group Executive President of Corporate Strategy and Business at Aditya Birla Group. He is helmed as the leader who built Nokia as the most trusted brand in India at one point of time. Known for his inspirational leadership skills, D. Shiva Kumar was awarded ‘Distinguished Alumnus’ by IIT Madras and IIM Calcutta.

Handling finances is not everyone’s cup of tea but not for Nimesh Shah, Managing Director and CEO at ICICI Prudential AMC. With over 25 years in the banking and finance sector, he is known to provide the best solutions for investors while maintaining high levels of transparency.

Known as the man behind the largest events in India, Wiz Joseph Sabbas, Founder of Wizcraft, lends his strategic foresight for all major brand launches and corporate events in India.

Bio Liquors: Keeping up the spirit

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We are world’s first and only bio liquors/herbal liquors company which is focussed on making health functional liquors derived from extensive research and development in the fields of biotechnology, ayurveda and liquor industry.


Our excellence and expertise is in delivering quality liquor products worldwide for about a decade. We are focussed on enhancing the drinking habits of the connoisseurs worldwide. Our goal is to enhance the richness, quality, smoothness drinkability and taste of consumers through our quality and unique liquor brands. We have unique techniques of excellent blending of spirits, choosing perfect spirits for perfect blends and the result is great taste, best aroma and drinkability.


Bio liquors are enriched with bio alkaloids, without using any synthetic flavours and colours. They were found to be giving the same intoxication levels as any other liquor brands. Dr. Srinivas Amarnath is the inventor of bio liquors – after contributing to the field of ayurveda for about 30 years, he is well versed with the botanicals and its benefits, developed bio liquors first time in the world. He relates to Ambrosia his journey off the beaten track.

What contributed to the evolution of bio liquors?

Alcoholism is the severe problem affecting millions of people worldwide, damaging the healthcare and is increasing the healthcare budgetting all over the world, which is an alarming issue. Due to my own personal suffering in family, i.e. my own brother was an alcoholic, made me to find a solution for the problem. With the pain in my mind, I have decided to develop a radically different product to safeguard crores of lives all over. The synthetic flavours which are added in regular liquors have synthetic flavours, artificial colours, smoke and glycerine. I started my research and came up with bio liquors for the first time in the world. My credentials as an ayurvedic doctor and botanist helped. I had been awarded with The Best Doctor and Botanist Award from Sri Venkateswara University. As an Ayurvedic doctor invention is my passion. I have been kept on inventing different type of healthcare products. When I used to get patients suffering from alcohol related ailments, I had made up my mind to come up with a different prototypes of liquor, which has less side effects on human body, and in the process I am successful in inventing the same. Our bio liquors are enriched with the best botanicals, natural herbs and bio alkaloids, without using any artificial/synthetic flavours.

What kind of investment you have made in this venture?

The Investments are made during the research phase, development phase and marketing phase. Initially in the research phase 7 million USD has been spent on R&D, after blend development, the sampling of bio liquors blends till the acceptance. The major research areas worldwide are USA, Australia, China, Russia and some African countries. several thousands of blends are made to match consumers’ palate which is now an absolute delight to consumers. And the development phase various trademarks, intellectual properties and several excise approvals has been taken and the budgetting of 3.2 million USD has been made. We have secured our brands worldwide with proper intellectual products especially in India, USA, Australia and several other countries. The marketing phase includes, development of unique packaging design, logo design, bottles procurement and carton designing for our portfolio of brands has been given major emphasis to present it to the consumers. We have developed a product portfolio keeping in mind both normal consumers and elite consumers.

You have nine brands in your portfolio which includes three whiskies, one bourbon, one rum, one vodka, one brandy, one wine and one beer. Which brands will you focus on? Do you plan to have a gin which is a growing segment and the perfect liquor to have infusions?

The white spirits segments are growing worldwide, and the consumers acceptance are multiplying, and also other segments are growing at an equal pace. The primary focus is on whisky, rum in North Indian markets, for South Indian markets we are focussing more on whisky and brandy. On India level we have a portfolio of nine products, by the end of 2022. We are also focussing on importing bio bourbon whisky developed by us in USA, and two different segments of luxury whiskies has been developed which will be launched by the end of 2022. All the products are scientifically developed, followed by international liquor standards, keeping in mind and adopted unique methods. In USA we are focussing on all the three segments as all are under Distilled Spirits Speciality. The FDA/TTB has been approved around 10 product formulas under the Distilled Spirits Speciality class. We are also planning to focus on wine segment which will be manufactured and Bottled in Napa Valley and to be distributed across the globe.

Which states are your brands present in? What is the timeline to go pan-India?

There has been a trial launch in some states like Punjab, Haryana, Sikkim, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, Maharashtra and Telangana. We have taken different opinion polls in India and worldwide. By 2022 we are planning to launch our speciality products Pan-India and awaiting for the best connoisseur response.

Some of our Indian products which are being launched on a trial basis are Bio Whisky Premium 16 Naturals, Today’s Special Bio Whisky, Bio Rum Premium, En-Sign Bio Brandy and Bio Vodka.

When do you plan to launch the bio-wine and the bio-beer?

By 2024 we have plans to launch bio wine and bio beer. For now we are keeping up our spirits high at the entry level. As a testing phaser, we have already exported several containers of bio beer to the UK and Singapore and have received immense positive response. After commercial launch of spirits and attaining a fair market share of spirits. 2024 is going to witness the bio wine and beer era.



How do your bio liquors infused with a blend made out of bio alkaloids help in the wellness of consumers? Could you elaborate on each segment like whisky, vodka, brandy and rum?

Bio liquors/herbal liquors were enriched with bio alkaloids, best botanicals and selected herbs, without using any synthetic flavours and colours. They were found to be giving the same intoxication levels as any other IMFL brands, wherein the ill effects are greatly minimised. As a botanist and ayurvedic doctor, I have wide knowledge on developing different kinds of blends without using synthetic flavours, that’s the reason all the bio liquors products are very special and got appreciation from the US federal government. The US federal government has given chance to make many samples in the USA. The US government has approved bio liquors/herbal liquors products after submitting more relevant data on development and then only we have got the US approvals. We have unique techniques of excellent blending of spirits, choosing perfect spirits for perfect blends and the result is great taste, best aroma and drinkability.

“PORTFOLIO OF BRANDS” Bio whisky, bio vodka, bio rum, bio brandy, bio gin, or be it a beer or wine, we have the largest portfolio for all the consumer needs under single umbrella BIO WORLD of brands. Bio Whisky premium 16 Naturals is enriched with 16 types of natural botanicals and finest select herbs, bio alkaloids, finest matured malts, infused in the American and French oak, which gives a perfect taste and matured aroma.

Today’s Special is enriched with select botanicals, matured malt spirits, finest grain spirits and infused with American and French oak, making it your Today’s Special. Bio Vodka is enriched with aloe, honey and natural bourbon vanilla, select botanicals, five times filtered for best taste and smooth finish.

Bio Rum – A premium quality rum made from matured cane spirits, high quality grain ena. Infused with best botanicals and select herbs makes Bio Rum stand out in the crowd. It has a very unique aroma and the speciality of Bio Rum is, it can be consumed in any season irrespective of climatic conditions which makes it more special. En-Sign Bio Brandy is made from matured grape spirits, high quality grain ena, infused with select botanicals, bio alkaloids and herbal ingredients. It has a unique fruity palate and best aroma. We aim to give the consumer the joy in each and every sip and being a part of celebration in every moment, making bio liquors as a better choice for the consumers.

Bourbon whiskey from America, speciality whisky from Australia, blended whiskies and single malt whisky from India and Europe, and very soon bio Scotch whiskies from Europe, we are also planning to start production in several African countries. We have privilege of selling our product mix in many parts of the world. We are exporting/importing and globalising our spirits brands as a part of cultural mix and cultural diversification. We have unique techniques of excellent blending of spirits. We are adopting unique techniques of aging spirits, select imported American and French Oak are imported choosing perfect spirits for perfect blends and the result is great taste, best aroma and drinkability.

“THE BLENDING PASSION” Very passionate team dedicated and committed on Research & Development, introduction of new techniques for perfect blend is a challenge in emerging liquor industry. “The right spirits are brought with the right passion”.

“THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE” The bio world spirits are spirits of excellence. The Spirits of Excellence is bought to you by our core innovation technology.

BIO LIQUORS – ACHEIVEMENTS WORLDWIDE. Approval of Bio Liquors products in TTB/FDA/GRAS and COLA – USA Allotted with own bottling unit by Australian government in New South Wales.

Winner – Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Spirits Tasting Competition – 75th annual convention & exposition – a remarkable achievement for new brand.

Approval of 16 botanical ingredients from GRAS an FDA regulatory authority. All the ingredients which we use for blending our spirits are approved by GRAS.

Allotted with a own bottling unit with tax free exemption for six years by Michigan Government in Northern Shores, Michigan. The plant will be operational by the end of 2019 – Bio care spirits, USA LLC. MICHIGAN – USA BIO LIQUORS NEWS

The Norton Shores City Council approved recently a six-year tax abatement for bio spirits, concurrent with the company’s six-year lease at the location.

The city council has also approved blueprints. One of its kind. The officials are impressed with the concept and has given tax exemption.

What is the consumer response in terms of taste and price?

The price points of bio liquors are very well accepted, particularly when you create a brand for the consumers. What more the consumer require? The acceptance is exciting in terms of mouth publicity, appreciation and in terms of price the luxury segment products are priced in premium segment that’s what all I can say in a word.

Given this is a new concept, and not a tried and tested one, how do you plan to promote your brands across the country?

We have done more research on how to promote this unique concept and found out impressive methods to promote the product. Several tasting sessions has been already done worldwide from regular consumers to elite consumers, different advertising strategy, get togethers, inviting doctors, bureaucrats, and common consumers, retailers, through different brain storming sessions and get togethers with bar and restaurant owners, not only in India, but worldwide also. Beyond its unique formulation, bio liquors are best in taste, smoothness and drinkability, which are major assets of the product and major marketing and publicity will be generated by consumers themselves. A perfect branding, packaging, marketing strategy is always necessary to promote a product in the market. For me as a doctor, I am also associated with passionate businesses for around 15 years. We have a core packaging development team and designing team, continuously working on the product. Not only the product, the presentation has got much more applause than we have ever expected and we are happy about the results.

What kind of marketing activity do you plan for exports, CSD and other bulk buyers?

We have already started exports. Very soon we are planning to export from USA to South America and Europe. We have appointed different agencies worldwide to take care of all the activities, Our brand presence in CSD, INCS across all the depots in India is almost confirmed and we have ample capacity to supply as per the requirements. Support in terms of point of sales material, branding material is required for exports. Also the export market is dependent on several other factors like quality, taste and packaging, which we are already providing, so the bulk buyers gets an advantage of timely supply and good discounts all over.

How is the company geared to meet the production requirements of the nationwide launches lined up? Do you need special production facilities for bio infusions?

We have lease and tie-up facilities in different parts of India. We have ample production capacity in our company based at USA in Michigan state, The Bio Care USA LLC have ample capacity to cater the ongoing demand to different countries like USA, South American countries and European countries. We also have production facilities in USA, Australia, Uganda and India. We are also planning to export to some Asian countries and UAE from India. Our capacities will be fully utilised with the on-going demand. The bio infusions and blend making are in-house facilities available in USA, India and Australia. The bio infusions will be sent to different bottling units all over the world. We have necessary capacity to cater to the demand of entire world.

The brands are doing well in certain part of USA. Would you like to throw light on your US operations?

All the products are doing certainly well in the US market. The products are trial started in Illinois and Colorado. We are already doing tasting sessions in around 25 states across the USA. Our USA partner is Shafiq Khimani from Natural Spirits USA. We have test marketed the USA already and receiving great response from the country. We are setting up our unit in Michigan, USA for which we already have got six years of tax exemption for the concept from Michigan Government. Currently the manufacturing is carried at South Charleston, USA and distributed across by our partner company Natural Spirits USA. Every effort has been made by Natural Spirits USA for continuous supply of the products. As mentioned earlier, we have won Silver Medal in WSWA USA competition, which is of great boost to the company and products.

The consumers are very delighted about the products and the pricing.

Illicit alcohol trade gives hangover to the nation

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Mr. Nakul Pasricha, President Authentication Solution Providers Association gives insights on the cons of the spurious liquor industry.

What is the impact of spurious liquor industry for the government, people and the IMFL industry?

Illicit trade in alcohol undermines sustainable economic growth. Collectively, it affects all the stake holders in society in various terms. While the industry and Government lose revenue, it is the consumer who is impacted the most as illicit trade in liquor poses a serious threat to consumer health. Poor quality or spurious liquor can cause death and serious illness, as seen in connection with several incidents of hooch tragedy in India. According to various media reports more than 150 persons died in India due to hooch tragedies in year 2019.

Excise Duty which is an important source of revenue is continually under threat from the practise of illicit trade. Considerable amount of money which could be used to benefit the government services of a country are being diverted to the pockets of criminals participating in illegal trading. However, more than loss of tax revenue, it could costs Government loss of image/goodwill. The hooch tragedies occur due to illicit liquor consumption eroded the image of state governments which create challenge for state government to ensure consumer confidence.

How can the government streamline the industry to benefit the poorer section of society to get affordable liquor at a price which will deter rampant drinking and the alcobev industry should not be labeled as a sin industry?

There is a direct link between prices and consumption. Post hooch tragedy in Uttar Pradesh, the Department set up a committee, which found that poorer section are using smuggled liquor, as it was available at almost half of the price of Government Country Liquor bottles. This will continue to be an area where careful thought is needed in order to preserve a balance.

What are the challenges of fighting the illicit liquor trade? How can the FSSAI regulate the quality of liquor sold?

Illicit alcohol is prevalent in both developed and developing countries, with no country immune to this threat. For example, the UK government lost £1.3 billion in excise tax revenue in the period 2015-16, and Dutch authorities estimate the annual revenue losses from illicit trade in alcohol at €100 million. Liquor bootlegging in New York City alone is estimated to have cost the city US$1 billion in lost taxes over the past 15 years. The illicit alcohol products are sold as either counterfeits of genuine brands or are unlabelled (Source: TRACEIT.ORG). When producing counterfeits, the forgery goes beyond the product’s label, often including bottle designs and caps.

In India, State Excise Department faces various challenges such as

a) How to combat smuggling and illicit liquor
b) How to ensure fool proof labeling and supply chain? How to ensure consumer confidence
c) How to increase excise revenue and the most important the problem of identification / authentication – How to differentiate fake liquor bottles from genuine?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had last year issued a regulation on alcoholic beverages and the same became effective from April 1. As per this regulation, all liquor bottles need to carry a statutory warning that “consumption of alcohol is injurious to health. Be safe-don’t drink and drive”. So far, it was primarily regulated by excise commissioners and they were only looking at alcoholic content and the toxic substances in alcohol. Now, there are far more elaborate standards that are benchmarked with the global standards and in certain cases, they have taken the Indian context also in consideration. In addition to excise commissioners, the food safety commissioners would also look into the enforcement of these standards.

What role can the excise department play to boost revenue to ensure a win-win situation for the government, the consumer and the industry?

Excise Departments faces various challenges. The key from these are revenue enhancement & protection, as well as to ensure person get genuine products. Anti-Counterfeiting solutions like TAX Stamps (Excise Adhesive Label) plays an important role. We believe that State Excise Departments need to study. he importance of Tax Stamps in the global context and apply such solutions in India.

In India, Excise Department need to think about TAX Stamps as tool beyond tax collection tools. The existence of cheaper, less-sophisticated, less effective stamps and marks potentially dilute the value proposition around their use as platforms to implement the global guidelines. Instead of using it is a mere product, they need to reframe their work on their Tax Stamp Programme as an opportunity for consumer and industry empowerment.

The new generation Tax Stamps with technological innovation in security printing, serialised coding, data processing and mobile communications, can be into sophisticated devices with additional roles that related to product authentication, supply chain security & data intelligence. This will ensure and help State Excise Department in building their policy towards reduced consumption and more revenue.

Will a rationing system deter excessive drinking?

We think this differ to case to case basis and lots depend on State Excise Policy. About half a century ago, broad restrictions on who could purchase alcoholic beverages were fairly common. The most extensive of such systems was the Bratt rationing scheme in Sweden in force until 1955, which assigned a quantitatively defined upper limit for spirits purchases per person with different rations for males and females and for younger age groups. Studies have shown that rationing systems in Greenland, Poland and Sweden reduced alcohol-related harm (Anderson & Baumberg, 2006). In Spitzbergen (Norway) there still exists a rationing system for purchases of alcoholic beverages. However, these research are conducting long time back and need to be done in current geographical scenario.

Source: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/191369/9-Availability-of-alcohol.pdf?ua=1

Can cheap liquor manufacturing companies create a fund to help families affected by alcoholics?

Yes, it can be done in partnership with State Excise Department and various NGO. But, before that there is a need of creating & raising awareness at mass level. There is a need to take preventive as well as long term strategic goals. As preventive steps, there is a need of building an eco-systems where consumer get genuine and authentic product and must be involved in authentication process. In longer term strategy, lot of work need to be done towards liquor standardisation, monitoring of ethyl alcohol etc. Even today, in our hospitals are not well trained for treatment for people suffering from hooch incidents. Post the hooch tragedy in Uttar Pradesh, the Government committed find that there is a lack of guidelines in Hospitals for treatment of patients consuming spurious liquor.

Is banning of illicit liquor the way forward? (I think he means about Prohibition of liquor)?

Prohibition is not the only answer. Many times, prohibition leads to increased illicit liquor business. For example, liquor is prohibited in Gujarat, however, according to a recent study 38% youth in Gujarat consumes alcohol. Other than this, 12% people are consuming other forms of drugs such as cannabis. In last two years, police had seized liquor valued `254 crore. The Government had confirmed that due to prohibition there is an increase in smuggling from neighbouring state. In last two years total case reported 1,32,415 country liquor, 29,989 IMFL liquor. Now the state government is demanding compensation cost from central as they are losing `15,000 crore annually due to prohibition. Similarly in other prohibited state Bihar, the sale of other drugs products has increased significantly. As per latest report from Narcotics Control Bureau, Bihar top the chart in consumption of opium and hashish. In our country 16 crore people consume alcohol whilst 3.1 crore people use cannabis. India needs a comprehensive national policy to tackle alcohol and other forms of additives.

LOFT by the CLOCK TOWER

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Loft by the Clock Tower at 32nd Milestone Gurgaon opened its doors to the public in February, this year .It is for all those who love their beers with a side of exclusivity. With a wide range of global brews on tap and a carefully curated progressive menu set in eye-catching architecture, Loft aims to bring the Manhattan pub experience to life. Best described as a progressive microbrewery with a unique take on world beers, Loft is looking to redefine the region’s nightlife landscape.

The ambiance is heavily influenced by old fashioned meat-packing warehouses in Manhattan and New York, and with 5 sections spread over 12,000 square feet and 3 floors, the 300-cover drinkery is certain to cater to every need and whimsy of the demanding Gurgaon patrons The ambiance, will transport guests to the yesteryear bars of New York. From the vibrant Mad Hatter dance floor for those who love to party to the reflective Green terrace for corporate wine and dines, each corner has a one-of-a-kind theme to offer to create the perfect mood for any occasion with friends or colleagues The huge performing area with over 10 monthly gigs and some of the most prominent Delhi performers scheduled is also sure to attract the city’s music lovers. Most restaurants specialize either on food on their drinks, but the people behind Loft are clear that they want the best of both. “The food we serve is global cuisine with an Indian touch, which has been curated by Chefs Nishant Choubey and Tarun Sibal to bring this to life. The drinks and cocktails have been curated with support from Arijit Bose’s Bar Back Collective and the HT Hospitality,”said the Manager Operations.

“The food menu at Loft is an amalgamation of native and international flavours. At Loft, we have re-imagined classic dishes and made them our own along with celebrating an array of unusual combinations of flavours, textures and cooking technique,” he added. The menu at Loft by The Clock Tower is a multi-cuisine fiesta, with influences from across the globe craftily combined with Indian flavours and sensibilities to pander to the cosmopolitan palettes of 2019 Gurgaon. Guests may choose from a variety of sumptuous food offerings to pair their drink with – Malabar Quesadilla, Three Pepper Tofu, Wasabi Mushrooms, and Peanut Butter Paneer Tikkas among others. For the meat lovers, there are delicacies like  Kadahi Lamb Burgers, Banger and Mash Crostinis and Triple Cooked Pork.which provides a novel experience to anyone who walks in. Nitin Bhusan Prasad their operation head says, “Our beers are true to style and reflect a very Scottish, Irish, Hungarian and South-West Russia influenced beer portfolio. All the beers brewed at Loft are also true to style but with a slightly modern twist to it, for example, we brew a classical Belgian wheat beer, which has been infused with rose petals.” Loft’s bar menu is a delight for any beer lover. Rose Wheat American Lager, Oak chips infused Vienna Lager, Custom Blend Kaapi Stout and 5 spiced Saison make for a heady mixture of traditional brews with a twist and will keep the experiment-savvy public engaged.

Loft by the Clock Tower is the only microbrewery in 32nd Milestone, which has around 30 food establishments, which is one of its USPs.They have some fabulous live bands like Traffic Jam, to keep the evenings alive in a big way. And the DJs playing at Loft will certainly make the entire setup quite conducive for a fun evening out with friends and family. With so many corporates now located in and around the area, Loft gives people a place to party after work and relax with good food, drinks and music. A few years ago, the place would have seemed really far, one of the reasons why hotels and joints at this location didn’t do quite well. However, with the NCR expanding in a big way, 32nd Milestone has become a destination again due to great connectivity on the NH 8 and people willing to get into their dancing shoes after a hectic day of work.

The plans for expansions are huge and when asked, they said they are targetting to open two more 200 cover+ outlets by 2020.
– Lopamudra Ganguly

Grey Goose Vodka and the USTA Debut their First-Ever Limited-Edition Bottle Collaboration

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Grey Goose vodka is excited to launch its first-ever US Open bottle, designed in partnership with the USTA, available for purchase in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, South Carolina and Washington D.C. As the official vodka of the US Open for over a decade, Grey Goose has been encouraging spectators to Live Victoriously by celebrating both big and small moments as lifelong memories in the making at one of the world’s most exciting tournaments. The 1L bottle captures the infectious energy of the US Open, featuring a playful design of tennis balls bouncing on a racquet.

The recipe to create the Grey Goose Honey Deuce – the official cocktail of the US Open – is included with purchase of the bottle so tennis enthusiasts can easily recreate the signature drink at home. Comprised of Grey Goose vodka, fresh lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and topped with tennis-inspired honeydew melon balls, the refreshing cocktail showcases the versatility of the super-premium vodka, which enhances any cocktail. For those lucky enough to experience the tournament live, the Honey Deuce will be served at over 30 locations across the Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The Frozen Honey Deuce will also be making its return at the Grandstand Food Village for those who need a bit more of a cool down during the heated matches.

“Over the past 13 years, the Grey Goose Honey Deuce cocktail has become an integral part of the US Open experience, beloved by players and fans alike. We’re excited to take our partnership a step further with the launch of the Grey Goose US Open bottle, which will allow tennis fans to connect to the joy of the US Open experience whether they’re sitting courtside or tuning into the action at home,” said USTA Chief Revenue Officer, Lew Sherr.

“The US Open is one of the world’s preeminent sporting events, where spectators have celebrated best in class tennis over great cocktails for decades – we’ve been honoured to play a role within its rich history,” shared Grey Goose Vice President, Martin de Dreuille. “We are delighted to debut this new bottle with the USTA, so that consumers can also treat themselves to the Honey Deuce in style by taking home a part of what makes the US Open spectator experience so unforgettable.”

GREY GOOSE HONEY DEUCE:
1.5 parts Grey Goose vodka
3 parts Fresh Lemonade
½ part Premium Raspberry Liqueur
3 honey melon balls for garnish

Chill a Collins Glass by placing in the refrigerator or freezer or by filling with ice water for 5 minutes. When sufficiently chilled, fill with ice. Measure and add vodka to Collins Glass. Top with measured amount of fresh lemonade. Measure and add raspberry liqueur. Garnish with skewer of 1 or multiple frozen honeydew melon balls. Note: to prepare melon balls, place honeydew melon in the freezer until firm, then use a melon baller to create balls.

Churchgate just got Foo-ed!!

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As legacy remains a witness, we realise that the famous Kamling has lived to be the most iconic Chinese restaurants throughout the ages. Inheriting their forefathers’ culinary versatility, Ryan and Keenan Tham, once again return, not only to ‘restore’ Kamling’s grandeur, but instead ‘evolve and expand’ its wings towards Asian Tapas dining by launching their newest property Foo Town.

Sited amongst the whirl of Churchgate, Foo Town is established where Kamling used to be – like an offspring born out of the mother’s womb. Since the Tham family has been revered for their warm hospitality experience, Mumbai’s first new age Asian Tapas restaurant also embraces this heirloom with a splendid 80-90 seating expanse. With outside seating as well, the restaurant welcomes its guests with a light caress of the green foliage that spreads above, outside as well as inside – a view seldom found.

There is awe in the air as we perceive that Foo Town is an extension of Foo Phoenix, yet diverging from it with 20 new dishes, including the Kamling Classics. Heritage remains intact as Foo Town serves the scrumptious Kamling Hakka Chicken and the delicieux whole Pomfret, along with the rich Kamling Peking Fish.

The ‘Tapas Touch’ of the restaurant is well inaugurated with the Foo Asian Burrata, a modern asian salad containing burrata and quinoa, crowned with romaine lettuce with a dash of avocado smears. The Po-Po gives us the Belgium pork with Pomelo, crafted with kafir and lemongrass, topped with peanuts and cherry tomatoes. Boasting an All- Day dining menu, Foo Town promises a prominent taste, with the splendour of its Small Plates like the lavish Japanese Vegetable Tempura with a Wasabi Mayo Dip or the Crispy Snapper glazed with a Black Bean Sauce.

Introducing the Vegan Sushi dish, The ‘Foo Vegan’ Maki provides flavours of black rice, with a dash of avocado and Thai chillies, garnished with yam beans, guacamole and miso paste. The nourishing and wholesome Steamed Foo Baskets guides one through the gourmet realms of great health and nutrition, stretching from the Edamame and Pod; the Prawns topped with Pixian sauce and the lightly cooked Super Foo Salad. The Foo Sticky Rice with Lotus leaf contains a variation for the non-vegetarians with a dash of chicken, while the Sweet Potato sided with black bean sauce gives out a creamy escapade.

The newly added Broccoli dumpling bursts into flavours, as the Spicy Tofu dumplings tingle taste buds. Also, first time in Mumbai, the audience will be amused to find the splendid Chocolate and Marshmallow Sushi Roll, on the dessert menu, right next to The Yuzu Orange Cream Caramel promises to create fascination just as the rest of the menu does.

Foo Town serves us with an indulgence of brilliant cocktails by inhouse mixologist Dimitri Lezinska, with the menu quartered into four intuitive portions. The Foo Tails hails the menu with the Absolut blended Foo King and Foo Queen, followed by Miso Sour and the discerning Gateway Pavillion. As Gin remains the vogue of the era, the menu then presents the Gin Tails – a luscious collection of Gin blends like the Spanish G&T and Foo By The Bay. The sparkle and shimmer of the drink is well displayed by the High Tails collection, where the tall glasses clink to smooth down the Marine Drive Mule and the Fountain Road Cooler. And the menu’s hindmost category remains the Wine Tails – a sombre assemblage of Sangrias from around the globe.

The Tham Family, yet again with Foo Town, presents to us a plethora of the greatest Fine Dining Asian culinary experience along with an inherited aura of warmth and hospitality to perch not only onto our food palates, but also our hearts.

Thirsty City 127 opens bar in the city from the prohibition era

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REMO offers a drinking experience of bygone prohibition era.


Prohibition era is just a memory but the thrill of the forbidden fruit still has its very own magic. Bringing back an era of subterfuge and smokescreens is a speakeasy Remo, an overground bar named and modelled on the original, where Remo returns with his magical potions of flavours, herbs, botanicals and alcohol. Mixes and con-coctions he had gathered in his wide spread travels across the world.

Its not going to be easy to find Remo. You’ll need friends in “high places” because entry is by invitation only. Secret knocks and frequently changed passwords will keep in regulars and block out all CI’s eyes and snitchers.

It was the gravest of times right in the middle of the darkest era in t he city’s history. Prohibition was in full force in Bombay Presidency, and it’s capital, the feisty big little port city of Bombay bore the brunt of this the worst. Unable to control the menace with just the corrupt police forces, who were generally sympathetic to the cause of the tipplers, the administration engaged private militias of moral police who cracked down on the remaining revellers with puritanical fury.

A pall of gloom had descended upon this beautiful town by the ‘Bay’. But as we know, the night is always darkest before the dawn. And it is at this point of the story, we present our protagonist, the swashbuckling hero, who saves the day.

Remo grew up in Cuncolim in Portuguese Goa, the independent territory to the south of Bombay Presidency, where the days were easy, the living was good and the evenings were merry. Still, Remo dreamed of a more glamorous life and he set out to make his fortune and see the world. He left Cuncolim, to work on board a cargo ship, and he travelled all over the world, especially the Orient. There he discovered the dark arts of combining flavours and liquors and making exotic, magical potions that lit up the night.

Remo’s adventures eventually brought him to Bombay, and he was booked by the beguiling charms of the deacadent denizens of the city. He got a job as a supervisor in the loading depot of a cloth mill. Remo led a dual life. In the day he toiled hard at the mill. But at night he cleaned up well and became a part of the social set that mattered.

And then Prohibition was declared! The night that previously never ended, now just never happened. The days wore on, and misery reeked from the very pores of this classically beautiful Art Deco city.

No, this isn’t your regular, cookie cutter fairytale. Our hero wasn’t blonde, and he didn’t ride a white horse. Our hero’s handsome face was a burnished brown and he rode into town on a large coastal barge! Remo had thought through it all – the barge had ostensibly taken exports of bolts of cloth to Goa, but it was the secret cargo under the hold on its return that was the cunning plan. Bottles upon bottles of desperately needed alcohol, and also, herbs, fruits, botanicals – all kinds of exciting ingredients.

There is the open storage yard, on the roof of the mill, Remo set it up under the stars – hidden, yet quite in the plain sight – the most daring speakeasy bar. He dug deep into the reservoirs of his memories and recreated all the magical potions he had encountered on the travels. Remo’s was truly a go-send for the Thirsty of the City, and they left their sea-side mansions, and travelled deep into its innards, to an neighbourhood they never had been to, and sat under the stars, and restarted the night.