Oaksmith packaged drinking water has unveiled an innovative platform – Oaksmith Style Studio in collaboration with actor Vijay Varma, reflecting his distinct sense of style. Conceptualized by BBH, the platform is dedicated to elevating the style quotient and helping Indian men peg it higher in life.
The campaign kicked off with an intriguing teaser featuring style icon Vijay Varma, the brand’s first ambassador, on a quest for the perfect elements for his new Oaksmith Style Studio. The collaboration showcases Vijay Varma in four distinct, trendsetting avatars, set to a captivating original soundtrack.
Speaking about his collaboration, Vijay Varma said, “I am pleased to launch the Oaksmith Style Studio and showcase how men can peg it higher in terms of styling for every occasion. Throughout my career, I have experimented with interesting ways to style and present myself, and I am eager to share these insights. With this collaboration, I aim to bring a fresh perspective and practical approach to men’s styling providing the guidance that many have been seeking. Oaksmith Style Studio is not just about looking good, but about empowering men to express their individuality through style. I am excited to share this new venture with everyone”
Parikshit Bhattacharya, CCO of BBH India, commented on the experience of building Oaksmith Style Studio. “Our goal was to create a platform that not only offers style advice but also resonates with the modern man. The Oaksmith Style Studio embodies sophistication, individuality, and practical styling solutions. Working with Vijay Varma and Oaksmith has been an exciting journey, and we are confident that this campaign will set a new benchmark in men’s styling. Oaksmith Style Studio is not just a campaign. We wanted to create a platform that goes beyond style tips and becomes a source of confidence.”
The liquor trade in Maharashtra is up in arms as the State Government has passed a resolution mandating that all liquor vends, be it shops, bars, hotels with liquor licences etc to install cameras with artificial intelligence and machine learning features, each said to be costing ₹4.2 lakhs.
The Government Regulation was announced just one day prior to the Election Commission announcing the dates for the elections to the Maharashtra Assembly and the Model Code of Conduct coming into play, leaving the liquor trade in a hapless state.
The liquor trade is approaching the courts over this order which they believe is going to lead to ‘over-regulation’ and ‘monitoring’, besides becoming another tool for corruption. The Government’s contention has been that it wants the vends to install the cameras to ensure that these vends do not sell liquor to underage youth.
The trade terms this measure as ‘draconian’ and another way for the government to harass and make money. It is estimated that with the implementation of this order, the liquor vends in Maharashtra will cough up nearly ₹3,000 crores, with Mumbai accounting for nearly ₹100 crores.
One Vendor Likely To Benefit
The entire order, the trade states, appears ‘fishy’ as only one company is the single vendor in the absence of other suppliers. The Excise Commissioner, Vijay Suryawanshi, however, has clarified that the government only had specified the technology and not the company from whom the cameras could be purchased. He said there are three to four vendors supplying this type of equipment.
The government has initiated this on ‘an experimental basis’ in Mumbai to begin with and on successful implementation here, it plans to roll this out across the State. Soon other states may follow, leading to ‘keeping the liquor trade in a vice-like grip’. The liquor industry, as such, is highly regulated and this new rule will adversely impact businesses.
As per media reports, Pivotchain, a video analytics company, helps secure Government and private companies’ physical infrastructure with large scale Artificial Intelligence driven Video Surveillance (RAVEN AI). They leverage computer vision to provide maximum performance to vision-based systems when solving day-to-day automation challenges at government and military premises, airports, and logistics centres.
The liquor trade members wonder why the need for such sophisticated systems, best usage scenarios being government, military premises etc. There are wine shops, bars, permit rooms etc which number over 2,000 in Mumbai alone and another 1,500 in the metro region. The software company has got three distributors, reportedly owned by one individual, and this has raised doubts on the entire move itself. The government however maintains that these cameras will help track the person (minor or those indulging in criminal activities) with all his or her background and in real-time.
Constant Monitoring Of Liquor Stores
The liquor vends are seeing this as another way of ‘harassing’ the trade. With elections round the corner, the Excise Department has announced guidelines and one of which states that “Licence holders must share a photo of their shop’s closure daily in the group of excise officers and liquor licence holders to confirm adherence to the specified closing timings. Besides, they need to update their shop’s opening purchase, sales, and closing details daily before the store closes. These updates must be logged into the Excise Department portal using individual logins assigned to each licence holder.”
The Excise Department has cautioned that any violation of the guidelines would lead to stricter penalties. As per guidelines for consumers have been advised to purchase liquor well in advance as shops may close earlier than usual time. They are also required to carry valid permits (permanent or temporary) while purchasing, carrying, or possessing liquor in Maharashtra.
Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo recognized as ‘Master Blender of the Year’ for the first time
Suntory Spirits – Toki and Yamazaki Whisky’s recently have been recognized at the International Spirits Challenge 2024 Awards in London. Toki Suntory Whisky was awarded the Gold in the Tasting Awards – Japanese Whisky category while the Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 Years Old was awarded the Supreme Champion Spirit. Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was also awarded the ‘Master Blender of the Year’ for the first time at the awards.
Toki Suntory Whisky was awarded the Gold in the Tasting Awards – Japanese Whisky category
This esteemed recognition reaffirms yet another significant achievement among for these products. Toki Whisky has earned over 20 international awards while Yamazaki 12 Years Old award to the highest scoring Trophy winner of the competition, the top award in the Japanese Whisky category, and was also selected as the most outstanding product out of thousands of entries among all categories.
Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was also awarded the ‘Master Blender of the Year’ for the first time at the awards
This marks the first time that Yamazaki 12 Years Old has been awarded as the Supreme Champion Spirit and the second consecutive year for a Suntory Whisky brand to achieve this accolade following Yamazaki 25 Years Old last year.
These recognitions are a testament for the company’s excellent blending skills and the pursuit of perfection in quality for its whisky making, further cementing the reputation of Japanese Whisky added the company.
Octaga Green introduced Master’s Imperial and Captain’s Select, two premium whiskies that embody the brand’s philosophy of blending sustainability with time-honoured craftsmanship. The Master’s Imperial whisky is priced at Rs. 1,815 for a 750 ml bottle, while Captain’s Select is available for Rs. 1,245 for a 750 ml. Both products are available for purchase throughout India and M.O.D. (Ministry of Defense) across 18 states and 5 countries.
Master’s Imperial is a premium blended Scotch whisky tailoured for discerning consumers who seek quality whiskey without a hefty price tag. This blend combines rare grain spirits with 6-year-aged, imported scotch malt delivering a smooth and unique taste. The aging process imparts a distinctive depth and complexity to the final product.
At the same time, Captain’s Select Whisky is a top-tier malt whisky that delivers a smooth and unique flavour. The blend features rare grain spirits and malts aged for 3 years, this classic whisky has been rewarded with a Silver Medal at the IWSC London in 2018.
“At Octaga Green, our vision is to shape a sustainable future while delivering world renowned spirits. True quality goes beyond the product; it’s about creating a positive environmental impact,” said Basab Paul, CEO and Managing Director, Octaga Green.
First Travel Retail Exclusive for Bengaluru Duty Free
Indri single malt launched its first travel retail exclusive ‘City Series’ with the debut Oloroso-Sherry cask expression exclusively crafted for Bengaluru Duty Free. The limited edition is solely available for travel retail and is also the first in a series of bespoke single cask expressions, where each release will embody the spirit and essence of a different Indian city, available solely through select duty-free outlets across India and the world.
This travel retail exclusive single malt whisky is specially made, designed, and bottled for Bengaluru Duty Free, celebrating the city in every bottle. The 750 ml bottle of the Indri Single Malt Bengaluru Duty Free Expression is Rs. 9,500 and will have an ABV of 58.8%. The exclusive edition is also available only in the Duty Free, Terminal 2 Departure, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
David Grady, Country General Manager, Avolta with Surrinder Kumar, Master Distiller & Blender, Piccadily Agro Industries Ltd.,
The Bengaluru Duty Free Expression captures the spirit and essence of Bengaluru, paying homage to its blend of vibrant modernity and rich traditions. It showcases the intricate craftsmanship Indri is known for, presented with iconic Bengaluru landmarks incorporated into the bottle design.
The makers state that each sip of this Oloroso-Sherrysingle cask expression offers a taste of the city, combining complexity and warmth with layers of tradition and innovation. This expression boasts a rich and full-bodied nose, revealing sweet caramel, fresh red fruits, and gentle spices, all beautifully intertwined with nutty, caramelized notes and earthy undertones.
On the palate, it offers a warming and balanced experience, featuring fresh red berries, subtle toffee, vanilla, and nuttiness, complemented by soft spices and a gentle dryness. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering flavours of sweet vanilla, spice, and fruity undertones, creating a lasting impression of depth and complexity.
“We are thrilled to unveil the first expression of our ‘City Series’ with Bengaluru Duty Free. Each expression of this series is a celebration of India’s diverse cities, their unique essence, and cultural richness,” said Siddhartha Sharma, Promoter, Piccadily Agro Industries Limited. Piccadily plans to launch each expression of the ‘City Series’ that will be an ode to a city’s unique culture, essence, and personality. City specific expressions will be released at other exclusive duty-free outlets, allowing travellers to embark on a flavourful journey through India.
Pernod Ricard India has launched Longitude 77 in Punjab offering seekers of authentic, contemporary Indian luxury a memorable experience which was marked by a launch event at the 10th anniversary of EYP Creations. The launch was held at the 10-year celebration of EYP Creations, which specializes in handling Punjabi music artist.
EYP Creations manages Punjabi artist like Parmish Verma, Jassie Gill, B Praak, Babbal Rai, and others out of which the event witnessed the presence of B Praak, Gurnazar, and Jassie Gill.
With the availability of Longitude 77 in Maharashtra, Goa, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Dubai, and at Delhi Duty Free, the brand is further making its way in the Indian markets with the launch in Punjab. It is aimed at providing a premium convivial experience while establishing a new benchmark for Indian whisky drinkers in Punjab.
The culinary experience featured Punjab’s bold flavours, reimagined in contemporary, experimental dishes. The event culminated in an exclusive Longitude 77 tasting experience, featuring serves along the Longitude such as Punjab Old Fashion that highlighted the finest local ingredients, recognized with GI tags for their exceptional uniqueness.
Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India said, “We are proud to bring Longitude 77 to Punjab, a region known for its deep appreciation of authenticity and grandeur. This launch marks an exciting chapter as we continue to share this unique spirit of India with connoisseurs across the country.”Nikhil Dwivedi, Founder & Director, EYP Creations said, “As we celebrate a decade of EYP Creations, it’s truly exciting to mark this milestone by partnering with such a prestigious brand like Longitude 77 for their launch in Punjab. The brand reflects the same values we stand for.”
Ground breaks Asia’s Largest Malt Distillery and Maturation Facility
Pernod Ricard India conducted the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony (ground-breaking ritual), for setting up its largest malt distillery and maturation facility in Asia, to be situated in Butibori in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The ceremony comes on the back of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that they signed with the Government of Maharashtra on 23rd February 2024, and is being considered as the first-step in that realization. The projected investment of the facility is Rs. 1,785 crore over a span of 10 years.
Jean Touboul, CEO of Pernod Ricard India and Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Since the signing of the MoU, Pernod Ricard India has already committed approximately Rs. 100 crore, including land costs, as an essential first step in advancing the project. The company has already made progress on operational and construction planning. The design and layout of the facility has been finalized with efforts being aligned with the goals outlined in the MoU. The project envisages the establishment of end-to-end capabilities for producing world-class malt spirit in India and the creation of the largest malt plant in Asia, with a production capacity of up to 13 million pure alcoholic liters annually.
The project is poised to generate direct employment for 700 to 800 people, with indirect job opportunities expected throughout the region. It will also provide farmers with new avenues to cultivate high-quality barley. Additionally, the initiative focuses on skill development and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within local communities.
The facility will use 100% renewable electricity, biomass from agricultural waste, and adopt water-positive measures to minimize its ecological footprint.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, stated, “Pernod Ricard India’s decision to invest in the establishment of Asia’s largest malt spirit distillery and maturation facility in Maharashtra underscores India’s growing stature on the global economic stage. This landmark project will significantly contribute to local employment, providing job opportunities for hundreds of individuals while fostering skill development and entrepreneurship.”
Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India remarked, “The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony is a significant milestone that highlights our unwavering dedication to India’s growth story. Our vision is to shape a sustainable future, where India emerges as a hub for premium malt spirits crafted with global precision and local passion.”
Campari Group has completed the acquisition from ODC (BidCo) Limited of a 14.6% minority stake in Capevin Holdings Proprietary Limited, the South African holding company indirectly owning, in particular, 100% of CVH Spirits Limited, a Scottish company operating in the production and commercialisation of renowned Single Malt Whiskies Bunnahabhain, Deanston, Tobermory and Ledaig, and Blended Whiskies Scottish Leader and Black Bottle.
Campari Group also holds distribution rights for brands from CVH Spirits Limited portfolio in France and South Korea. In accordance with Capevin Holdings Proprietary Limited’s memorandum of incorporation, Campari Group has exercised its right to appoint a board member and has additional governance rights to protect its minority position. The purchase price paid amounted to GBP 69.6 million (corresponding to €82.6 million at the exchange rate of the transaction date). The transaction was financed using available cash.
first-of-its-kind 90% paper-based bottle for Johnnie Walker Black Label
Running exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 bar, in Edinburgh
The makers of Guinness, Don Julio Tequila and Smirnoff Vodka has launched on a trial basis the first-of-its-kind 90% paper-based bottle for Johnnie Walker Black Label exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 bar, in Edinburgh.
Created in partnership with PA Consulting, as part of the Bottle Collective with PA and PulPac, this is Diageo’s first paper-based 70cl bottle trial in the on-trade. The trial began on September 25th of this year and is expected to assess how bartenders interact with and pour from the bottle, and how the bottle fares in a bar environment. A total of 250 paper-based bottles are being for the trial period which is expected to run until mid-October 2024.
Diageo said that members of the public will be able to see the bottles in use behind the bar, however they cannot purchase the bottle. This will be the second paper-based bottle trial from Diageo and PA, following the success of the Baileys paper-based bottle mini format (80ml) trial, using a similar Dry Molded Fiber innovation at the Time Out Festival in Barcelona earlier this year.
Diageo said that the design team had taken learnings from the technical aspects of the miniature format, to make a larger and more complex shape for Johnnie Walker. The bottle’s design retains the iconic square shape of Johnnie Walker Black Label, whilst enhancing the premium appeal with unique facets cut into the sides of the bottle and embossing of the Striding Man on the bottle and closure.
Paper Bottle is about 60% lighter
The trial bottle is made from 90% paper and a very thin plastic liner. The innovative technology makes the paper-based bottle approximately 60% lighter, with initial external life cycle analysis on the prototype showing an up to 47% potential reduction in carbon emissions compared to the Johnnie Walker Black Label glass bottle equivalent. The bottle closure was developed in collaboration with PulPac, Setop DIAM and PA and is made from a unique combination of cork and similar Dry Molded Fiber paper technology as the bottle. It is only intended for use during the trial and excluded from calculations.
The Johnnie Walker Black Label paper-based bottle for this test is designed considering recyclability among other aspects. The plastic liner is designed to not require consumer or bartender disassembly, as it is not attached or bonded to the outer paper layer, assisting recycling facilities to separate without disrupting the recycling process. The stopper used for trial purposes is not recyclable, however alternative solutions are in development. Throughout the trial and further development of the paper-based bottle, the recycling capability will be a key factor for future versions of the bottle as we continue to test, learn and develop.
Jamie Stone, Design and Innovation Expert at PA Consulting, adds: “These bottles break new ground in packaging design and shows the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions.”
Beyond paper-based solutions, the brand recently introduced Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra, the word’s lightest whisky glass bottle, weighing just 180g without the stopper. The design featured a unique teardrop shape, lattice stopper, and bamboo frame to bring luxury and simplicity together. While Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ultra is a design experiment, the insights gained will guide future glass light-weighting initiatives across the Diageo portfolio.
These latest innovations form part of Diageo’s ambition to reduce its carbon footprint by exploring new packaging formats, including the launch of a 70cl aluminum spirits bottle with Baileys, a global licensing agreement with circular economy technology company ecoSPIRITS, and removing the cardboard gift boxes in its premium Scotch portfolio to reduce excess packaging.
Reinventing one of the classic favourite flavours of the Indian summer, Bacardí recently announced its latest flavoured rum expression – the Bacardí Mango Chilli in India. This new offering combines the vibrant zest of freshly cut mango with the fiery kick of chilli, delivering a unique and disruptive flavour combination that resonates strongly with the Indian palate. Bacardí Mango Chilli is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavours – tangy raw mango and succulent ripe mango notes, complemented by the warm spice of chilli.
In the global spirits industry, flavoured rums have become increasingly popular, offering consumers new and exciting ways to experience the spirit. The introduction of Bacardí Mango Chilli is a testament to Bacardí’s commitment to creating distinctive flavours that cater to these evolving tastes. Bacardí remains dedicated to keeping the consumer at the centre of its innovation, with a deep understanding of the versatility of rum as a spirit and the growing consumer appetite for experimentation with flavours. By blending familiar and bold flavours, Bacardí not only enhances the rum-drinking experience, but also opens up new avenues and occasions for consumers to enjoy and explore the versatility of rum.
Bacardí Mango Chilli offers a medley of flavours that makes it the perfect drink, whether enjoyed as a chilled shot or as an exciting new twist on classic cocktails to captivate consumers seeking unique drinking experiences.
Ashish Jha, Brand Lead, Bacardí India said, “We’re delighted to be introducing Bacardí Mango Chilli to the Indian market. As a brand, Bacardí is committed to constantly innovating in new and exciting directions while keeping consumers at the heart of all that we do. India’s long-standing love affair with the mango inspired us to bring Bacardí Mango Chilli to India, to offer our consumers a novel drinking experience that captures some of the most iconic and widely loved Indian flavours. The spirits’ unique sweet and spicy flavour profile can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, right from a shot to a wide range of tasty and refreshing cocktails, and we’re sure that it will resonate strongly with Indian consumers and open up new occasions to enjoy the spirit.”Bacardí Mango Chilli will be available across the country, in the markets of Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tripura, Orissa, Meghalaya, Assam, UP, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Pricing will vary as per market excise for a standard 750ml bottle across India.
