The horrific incident of an inebriated passenger urinating on a fellow passenger on an Air India flight from New York to Delhi in late 2022 has become a reference point on passenger behaviour on flights. The drunken passenger – Shankar Mishra – was arrested after enormous media pressure, and the airline was pulled up by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Later, the 72-year-old woman passenger filed a petition in the Supreme Court, demanding urgent formulation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to deal with intoxicated passengers. The DGCA in an affidavit filed before the Su ..read more

In a recent collaboration aimed at enhancing the employability of persons with disabilities (PwDs), the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) has partnered with Diageo India to provide vocational training to 300 students. This initiative falls under Diageo India’s “Learning for Life” program, aiming to address the skill gaps in the Business and Hospitality sectors. The training, focusing on Food and Beverage Services, will be conducted in various SCPwD-affiliated centres across India. Certified trainers and assessors will oversee the residential programs, offering students a curric ..read more

Whisky is a tribute to the valour displayed by our Armed Forces during pivotal moments in history; company’s commits to contribute part of the revenue from every bottle to the welfare fund of the Indian Armed Forces. Radico Khaitan Ltd. uncorked the Spirit of Victory, beginning with the Premium XXX Rum in 2017. In 2022 the Lemon Dash Rum was added to the flavoured white rum portfolio. Following these launches in the Rum category, the company has launched its latest Spirit of Victory 1999 Pure Malt Whisky. Amar Sinha, COO, Radico Khaitan Ltd. The Spirit of Victory whisky is a tribute to the val ..read more

• Jim Murray adds zing to whisky tasting event • Plan to up exports to 100 countries from 57 As whisky enthusiasts gathered at The Oberoi, Gurugram, on March 3rd for the Amrut Distilleries’ whisky tasting event featuring Jim Murray, a distinguished whisky writer and critic renowned for his unparallel mastery of the spirit, it was evident that this was no ordinary experience. The event provided a platform for enthusiasts to engage, learn, and connect. The day culminated in the unveiling of Bagheera and Portonova, marking their debut in the Indian market. Rakshit N. Jagdale, MD, Amrut Distilleri ..read more

The Tamil Nadu government has increased excise duty on alcohol. Accordingly, the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) has increased liquor prices from February 1, 2024. The corporation said the price of 180 ml of regular and medium-quality liquor has been increased by ₹10; premium quality liquor by ₹20 and 650ml beer by ₹10. Tamil Nadu has been earning sizable revenues from liquor sales. In the previous financial year (2022- 23) the revenues were ₹44,098.56 crore, up from ₹36,050 crore in 2021-22. During 2022-2023, the revenue earned by the government through special fee on imported ..read more

The Apex Court in an observation on January 22 has asked respondents Indore-based JK Enterprises if they are willing to change the trade dress of the brand London Pride whisky in a trademark infringement case filed by Pernod Ricard India Pvt Ltd., makers of Blenders Pride and Imperial Blue whiskies. A bench of the Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra adjourned the case by two weeks while asking the respondents – JK Enterprises to get instructions in this regard. The Supreme Court in two recent hearings saw the petitioners – Pernod Ricard India Pvt L ..read more

On July 7, 2023, the Congress (I) government in Karnataka gave a jolt to the alcobev sector by hiking existing rates of excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by 20% and on beer from 175% to 185%. And within six months, the government has announced yet another increase to the beer industry. A draft notification of the government mentions that additional excise duty on bottled beer manufactured in Karnataka or imported into the state will be increased by 10 percentage points from 185% to 195%. As per the notification, the hike would result in every 650 ml bottle to cost an extra ₹8 t ..read more

INDSPIRIT 2024 and Ambrosia Awards 2024 was held recently in Gurgaon, Haryana in front of a packed audience. Join us at INDSPIRIT 2024 for an invigorating Keynote Address by Vijay Rekhi, the visionary Chairman & Managing Director of Vizanar Alcobev & FMCG Advisors LLP. Dive into an inspiring session titled “Empowering India: Unleashing Entrepreneurial Potential for a Brighter Tomorrow.” In this pivotal keynote, Vijay Rekhi shares groundbreaking insights and strategies on nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation within India. Discover the keys to unlocking your potential, fostering gr ..read more

INDSPIRIT 2024 and Ambrosia Awards 2024 was held recently in Gurgaon, Haryana in front of a packed audience. Dive into the heart of the alcobev industry with the inaugural address of INDSPIRIT 2024, delivered by Trilok Desai, the visionary Publisher & MD of Ambrosia & SAP Media Worldwide. As we celebrate the 16th edition of this iconic event, get ready to explore the dynamic shifts and growth trajectories shaping the future of alcohol beverages in India and beyond. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive overview of today’s alcobev landscape, filled with expert analysis, future forecasts ..read more

The 16th edition of the prestigious Ambrosia Awards 2024, organized by Ambrosia Magazine – the Wine and Spirits Magazine, celebrated the finest achievements in the Alcobev industry at a gala event. Recognizing excellence in products, packaging, and individual categories, the awards showcased the industry’s best and brightest talents. Ambrosia magazine, now in its 32 nd year, continues to be a hallmark of excellence in the industry. With a focus on blind tastings for the product category, the awards ensure a fair and unbiased selection process, akin to top international standards. Trilok Desai ..read more