#India market entry

[foxnangelseo]

Apple To Invest More In India

As per undisclosed sources familiar with the matter, Apple Inc. is reportedly revamping the management of its international businesses to place a larger emphasis on India, reflecting the country's growing importance in the company's overall strategy. This move marks a significant milestone as India is set to become its own sales region at Apple for the first time, signaling the surging demand for Apple's products in the region. As a result, India is expected to gain greater prominence and visibility within the company.

The decision to focus on India could be a strategic move by Apple, given that India is one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets in the world. By prioritizing India, Apple may be seeking to gain a larger market share in the region, which could help the company offset slowing growth in other markets. The company's recent launch of an online store in India is further evidence of its commitment to expanding its presence in the country. Last quarter, despite a 5% dip in total sales, Apple achieved record revenue in India. The tech giant has set up an online store to cater to the region and plans to open its first retail stores there later this year. During the last earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted the company's significant emphasis on the Indian market and compared its current state to its early years in China. He mentioned how Apple is leveraging its learnings from China to scale in India. China is Apple's largest sales region after the Americas and Europe, generating around $75 billion in revenue per year. Apart from boosting Apple's sales, India is also becoming increasingly critical to the company's product development. Key suppliers are shifting to the region, and Apple is partnering with manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (also known as Foxconn) to establish new iPhone production facilities in India, according to Bloomberg News. Apple has been expanding its focus on the Indian market in recent years, and the company has been making efforts to improve its sales operations in the country. In 2020, Apple launched an online store in India, which allowed the company to sell its products directly to consumers in the country for the first time. This move was seen as a significant step for Apple, as India is one of the world's fastest-growing smartphone markets. If Apple is restructuring its international sales operations to put a more significant focus on India, it suggests that the company sees significant growth potential in the Indian market. Apple may be looking to increase its market share in India by focusing on pricing, localizing products and services, and building relationships with key partners in the country. It remains to be seen how Apple's restructuring will affect the company's operations in other regions. However, this move is undoubtedly a positive sign for India's tech industry, as it shows that major global players are taking note of the country's potential as a growth market.

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This post was originally published on: Foxnangel

[foxnangel]

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[knmassuranceservices]

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[maiervidornoaltios]

Indo-German Trade: A Flourishing Partnership with an Eye on the Future

For centuries, India and Germany have shared a rich history of trade. This enduring partnership has gained new momentum in recent years, making Germany India's largest trading partner in Europe. But the relationship goes beyond mere exchange. Let's delve deeper into this dynamic collaboration. 

Expert Opinions: Bridging the Perception Gap 

While India boasts a vast market and skilled workforce, some German companies may hold initial reservations due to a perceived lack of transparency or infrastructure concerns. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of on-ground presence and cultural understanding. Here's what the experts say: 

Mr. Sanjay Kapoor, CEO of LEMKEN India Agro Equipment Pvt Ltd: "Our success in India hinges on building trust and long-term relationships. Partnering with local firms has been invaluable in navigating regulations and market nuances." 

Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat: A Shared Vision 

India's initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) resonate with Germany's focus on innovation and technological prowess. Collaboration in these areas presents a win-win situation: 

Energy Sector: Siemens, a German powerhouse, has been instrumental in India's electrification journey. 

Artificial Intelligence and Automation: German companies like Bosch are actively involved in skilling India's workforce for the future of Industry 4.0. 

Advanced Engineering & Manufacturing: Indo-German collaborations are fostering advancements in areas like machine tools and robotics. 

Renewable Energy: Germany's expertise in solar and wind power is crucial for India's clean energy goals. This is evident in recent investments by companies like Senvion. 

Semiconductor Industry: With India's ambitious semiconductor mission, there's immense potential for German expertise in chip design and fabrication. 

The Maier Vidorno Altios Advantage: Bridging the Gap for Two Decades 

Companies like Maier Vidorno Altios, a brainchild of Klaus Maier, exemplify the crucial role of bridge-builders. Established over two decades ago, MVA has facilitated successful market entries for numerous German companies in India, demonstrating the power of cultural understanding and strategic partnerships. 

The Road Ahead: A Future Fueled by Collaboration 

The Indo-German trade partnership is a testament to the power of mutual understanding and shared goals. By leveraging Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the expertise of industry leaders from both nations, this collaboration is poised to reach even greater heights in the years to come. As India continues its economic ascent, Germany remains a vital partner in its journey towards a self-reliant and technologically advanced future. 

[spiritsrituals]

Market Entry India and Route to Market India - Spirits and Rituals

Introduction to Market Entry in India

Entering the Indian market offers immense opportunities for businesses worldwide. With its vast consumer base and growing economy, India presents an attractive destination for expansion. However, navigating the complexities of this diverse market requires a well-thought-out strategy.

Market Research and Analysis

Before venturing into India, thorough market research is essential. Understanding the demographics, consumer behavior, and competition landscape is crucial for success.

Choosing the Right Market Entry Strategy

Businesses can opt for various market entry strategies such as direct exporting, joint ventures, licensing, franchising, or establishing a subsidiary. Each approach has its advantages and challenges.

Understanding Indian Regulations and Legalities

Compliance with Indian regulations is vital for business operations. Familiarizing oneself with corporate laws, taxation policies, and intellectual property rights is essential to avoid legal issues.

Setting Up Distribution Channels

Establishing efficient distribution channels is key to reaching Indian consumers effectively. Building partnerships with local distributors can help penetrate the market more efficiently.

Cultural Considerations in Marketing

India's diverse culture requires businesses to tailor their marketing strategies accordingly. Language, customs, and traditions play a significant role in consumer perceptions.

Importance of Localizing Marketing Strategies

Adapting marketing campaigns to local preferences is essential for connecting with Indian consumers. Leveraging social media and digital platforms can enhance brand visibility.

Navigating Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Efficient logistics and supply chain management are critical for timely delivery of goods. Understanding India's transportation infrastructure and investing in warehousing facilities is vital.

Overcoming Language Barriers

Language barriers can hinder effective communication. Employing translation services and hiring bilingual staff can bridge the gap and facilitate smoother operations.

Building Relationships with Stakeholders

Establishing relationships with government agencies and local businesses is essential for navigating regulatory processes and gaining market insights.

Risk Management and Contingency Planning

Businesses must assess potential risks such as political instability and economic fluctuations. Developing contingency plans can mitigate adverse effects on operations.

Assessing Market Entry Success

Monitoring key performance indicators allows businesses to evaluate the success of their market entry strategies. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for making necessary adjustments.

Case Studies of Successful Market Entries in India

Studying successful market entry cases provides valuable insights for businesses planning to enter India. Learning from past experiences can help avoid common pitfalls.

Conclusion

Entering the Indian market requires careful planning and execution. By understanding the market dynamics, complying with regulations, and adapting to cultural nuances, businesses can pave a successful route to market in India.

FAQs

What are the main challenges of entering the Indian market?

Entering the Indian market poses challenges such as cultural differences, regulatory complexities, and intense competition.

How can cultural differences affect market entry strategies in India?

Cultural differences influence consumer preferences, communication styles, and purchasing behavior, necessitating tailored marketing approaches.

What are the advantages of forming a joint venture in India?

Forming a joint venture allows businesses to leverage local expertise, share risks, and gain access to established distribution networks.

How important is it to comply with Indian regulations?

Compliance with Indian regulations is crucial for avoiding legal complications, maintaining business continuity, and fostering trust with stakeholders.

What role does market research play in market entry strategies?

Market research helps businesses understand the Indian market landscape, identify opportunities and threats, and formulate effective entry strategies.

[growasia]

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[legalfirminindia-blog]

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[thelessburn]

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[foxnangelseo]

India is on the path to growth

India has every right to be confident about its future and its developmental plans. India has gotten an FDI of 950 million dollars since 1947 and 532 million dollars of them have been in the past 90 months. For 8 consecutive years since 2015, India has been breaking its own FDI record. 

Not just us, but the entire world is confident that India is on the right track. Here’s why India has tremendous growth potential:

India has a large and expanding population of nearly 1.3 billion people, creating a considerable market for goods and services. With a median age of 28 years, the population of the nation is likewise young, creating a sizable pool of potential workers and customers.

Economic Reforms: In recent years, India has implemented a number of economic reforms, such as the establishment of the goods and services tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). These changes have boosted India's business climate and made doing business there simpler.

Growing Middle Class: As India's middle class expands quickly, a sizable consumer market for products and services is being created. By 2025, the middle class is anticipated to double in size, increasing demand for a variety of goods and services.

India has a sizable labour force that is highly skilled, notably in the fields of engineering and technology. More than 3 million graduates are produced annually in the nation, many of whom have STEM backgrounds.

India has a young population and a growing middle class, which contribute to its favourable demographics and make it an appealing location for international investment. The nation also has a sizable and growing consumer market, which offers chances for enterprises in many other industries.

Development of Infrastructure: India has recently made large investments in infrastructure, including the construction of new roads, railroads, airports, and ports. These expenditures are anticipated to enhance connectivity and promote national economic expansion.

India is emerging as a centre for technological innovation, particularly in the fields of fintech, e-commerce, and digital payments. The nation is home to a number of top technological firms and a sizable pool of smart engineers and businesspeople.

Natural resources: Coal, iron ore, oil, and gas deposits are only a few of India's abundant natural resources. In order to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels, the nation is also investing in renewable energy sources including solar and wind energy.

Political Stability: India has a long history of peaceful handovers of power and is a stable democracy. Businesses and investors will benefit from this because it lowers the danger of political instability and creates a stable economic environment.

India's strategic location, which puts it in between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, makes it a desirable place for trade and investment. Also, the nation has a number of free trade agreements with other nations, opening up new markets and business prospects.

In conclusion, India's economic growth trajectory is on a steady rise and the world has taken notice. From demographic dividends to government initiatives, the country is poised for sustained growth in the coming years. The road ahead may have its challenges, but with a young and skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and a growing consumer market, India is well-positioned to become a major player in the global economy. The future looks bright, and the world is confident that India's growth story is just beginning.

This post was originally published on: Foxnangel

[foxnangel]

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[fatehbaz]

Because most medicines were produced from [...] plants [...] these early “pharmaceutical monopolies” required full control of the production and trade of a species. Russia successfully managed the rhubarb trade in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, while Spain controlled the distribution [...] from Spanish America, mainly cinchona from Peru, in the same period. “True” cinnamon grew only on Sri Lanka, so whoever controlled the island could dominate the cinnamon trade. The Portuguese were the first to create a monopoly on the cinnamon trade there in the early seventeenth century. That monopoly was later optimized by the Dutch in the late eighteenth century [...].

“True” should indeed be in quotation marks here - the term reflects the historically contingent tastes of Europeans, rather than any botanical category [...]. The rarity of cinnamon in the early modern period made it one of the most coveted spices of that era, and European countries without direct access to the cinnamon trade tried to imitate, substitute, steal, smuggle, or transplant the “true” product from Sri Lanka. [...]

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In the early modern period, cinnamon was also important both as an exotic commodity and as an important therapeutic substance. The Dutch East India Company (VOC), which controlled Sri Lanka between 1658 and 1796, was well aware of this. The VOC vigorously exploited the Salagama - [...] specialized Sri Lankan cinnamon peelers - to supply enough cinnamon, which for a long time was gathered from forests. Only after the peelers rebelled, leading to a war that lasted between 1760 and 1766, did the company revise its production policy. 

Experiments with “cinnamon gardens” (kaneeltuinen in Dutch) led to enormous successes, and the company eventually grew millions of cinnamon trees on plantations in the final decades of the eighteenth century. Meanwhile, competitors of the Dutch had come up with their own solutions [...]: Spain had started growing other Cinnamomum species on plantations in the Philippines, while France and Britain succeeded in transplanting cinnamon to islands in the Caribbean. But the Dutch monopoly was not simply threatened by outside competition. Smuggling, by peelers or VOC personnel, was strictly forbidden and severely punished. [...]

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Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Drakenstein (1636–1691) was the VOC administrator on India’s Malabar Coast when he started experimenting with cinnamon oil in the 1670s.

He concluded that the oil, which he extracted from the roots of local cinnamon trees, was of better quality than oil from cinnamon trees on Sri Lanka. Van Rheede reported these results in his entry on cinnamon in volume 1 of the Hortus Indicus Malabaricus, the twelve-volume book that was produced by a team of local and European scholars, and supervised by Van Rheede himself.

Van Rheede’s assessment of cinnamon - in fact, the very publication of a multi-volume work about the flora of Malabar - infuriated the governor of Sri Lanka, Rijckloff van Goens, who had secured the cinnamon monopoly of Sri Lanka for the Dutch. Van Goens insisted that Van Rheede stop his medical experiments, claiming that the monopoly was at risk if the cinnamon trade was extended beyond the island of Sri Lanka. 

But Van Goens was not so much concerned about the therapeutic efficacy of cinnamon from either of the two regions. He was motivated by an imperial agenda and regarded the natural products of Sri Lanka as superior to anything similar in the region.

The experiments of Van Rheede, who was his former protégé, threatened not so much the botanical quality of the product, or the commercial interests of the Dutch East India Company, but rather the central position of Sri Lanka in the Dutch colonial system and the position of Van Goens as the representative of that system.

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Even when Sri Lanka still only produced cinnamon that grew in the wild, the Dutch harvested enough to supply an international market and were able to dictate the availability and price level throughout the world. The monopoly, whether defined in commercial or pharmaceutical terms, was not easily put at risk by efforts like Van Rheede’s. Those involved in the early modern cinnamon trade were motivated by various reasons to defend or undermine the central position of Sri Lankan cinnamon: botanical, medical, commercial, or imperial. These motives often overlapped.

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All text above by: Wouter Klein. “Plant of the Month: Cinnamon.” JSTOR Daily. 17 February 2021. “Plant of the Month” series is part of the Plant Humanities Initiative, a partnership of Dumbarton Oaks and JSTOR Labs. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

[knmassuranceservices]

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[maniculum]

Bestiaryposting Results: Fekthrud

Happy Liminalmas, everybody! We've got fewer results than usual this week, which I would speculatively credit to a variety of factors:

Weird liminal space at the end of the year

It's Another Bird

Not a ton of fun details

It's easy to guess what the animal is

Anyhow, if you want to see the context for this, the page where I collect these posts is here: https://maniculum.tumblr.com/bestiaryposting. (Hmm -- looks like I forgot to update the page last time around. Maybe that's part of the issue too.) And the entry that people are working from is here:

So, our results, roughly chronologically:

@silverhart-makes-art (link to post here) has given us these very well-rendered pheasant-like creatures. They've given their Fekthrud a head like a Pachycephalosaurus*, which I think is a great way to interpret the whole business about the hard skull; like, that had not occurred to me when reading the entry, but now that I see it, it makes perfect sense. In general these are excellent birds here, and you can see some brief notes on design decisions in the post linked above. I like the justification that a ground bird makes the most sense if they're adapted for falling on rocks and/or running into stuff head-first.

*Proud of myself for spelling "pachycephalosaurus" correctly without looking -- being a former Dinosaur Kid pays weird niche dividends.

@coolest-capybara (link to post here) continues to impress with her medieval-style drawings. (And to provide alt-text, thank you.) I really like how colorful and generally very pretty she's made her Fekthrud. I also appreciate the decision to show them attacking someone who is trying to take that "iron rod" advice. Very correct response -- get 'em, birds. If you click the link to her post above, you can see some discussion of design decisions.

@cheapsweets (link to post here) has made the excellent decision to pose their Fekthrud like it's giving a speech. (And the generous decision to provide alt text, thank you.) This bird absolutely looks like it's saying "Ave!" -- I can clearly imagine it addressing the Roman Senate. Cheapsweets has also taken inspiration from Pachycephalosaurus, and I love that two of our artists got there independently -- like I said, it's an idea that makes perfect sense once you think of it. The post linked above contains a detailed discussion both of their design decision and of their artistic process, including an image of their tools and materials. Go read it.

@pomrania (link to post here) has decided that, rather than make the actual bone of the Fekthrud's skull thick. it should have a thick cushion of feathers. I don't know much about birds, but I feel like that makes sense: thick and heavy bone might be a weight issue if this thing is supposed to fly, so a feather cushion might be more practical protection. The goofy look with the tongue lolling out is also quite charming. In the post linked above, you can see some brief notes on design and process.

And... that's it for this week. Like I said, not a lot of people did this one. So, the Aberdeen Bestiary version:

Yeah, so, of course this one is the parrot.

The medieval illustrator is actually pretty close, I think. And they've used one of my favorite styles of Generic Medieval Plant, even though it doesn't look like it can support the parrot's weight.

The entry is broadly accurate, except for the bit about the skull and the iron rod. There are parrots in India with the coloration described -- multiple species, actually, as far as I can tell. They do talk, though I can't speak to the tongue anatomy thing.

Moreover, if you were a parrot trainer in India who wanted to impress medieval Europeans with your talking birds -- maybe so you can establish demand for them in a new market -- of course the first thing you'd do is train your parrots to greet people in Latin and Greek. Latin is the obvious catch-all, and Greek is the majority language in Constantinople, which is the trade hub you want to target. So I bet all the parrots from India that medieval Europeans saw really did say "Ave!" and "Kere!" (And we do know that people in the Byzantine Empire had pet parrots, so I guess it worked.)

I've never heard the thing about parrots having a hard skull and beak. I kind of wonder if, at some point, someone saw a parrot being struck by its owner (or the aforementioned hypothetical merchant) and asked if it was really necessary to beat the poor bird like that -- and got a line like "oh, they have really hard skulls, it doesn't hurt them as much as you think"... and then that just stuck.

Anyway, that's it for this week. Hope y'all are enjoying Birds because you're getting another one next week.

[stephensmithuk]

The Sign of Four: The End of the Islander

Mediæval is an archaic spelling of medieval, using the æ letter that is rare in English, but far more common in Danish, Norwegian and Icelandic, for example.

Ceylon was the name used for what is now Sri Lanka until 1972, when that country (which become independent in 1948) become a Republic. Today, the name only really remains in the country for Ceylon tea, apparently for marketing reasons.

There has been a police force dedicated to the Thames since 1798, being founded as the privately funded Marine Police to tackle the high volume of cargo theft from ships there. Two years later, the government set up the Thames River Police to replace the successful force. The Metropolitan Police took it over in 1839 and made it the Thames Division, it now being called the Marine Policing Unit. Historically, they also did search and rescue, today done by the RNLI.

They had just acquired their first steam launches by 1888, historically relying on rowing boats that had proved inadequate in an 1878 two-ship collision that had killed 600 to 700 people.

Gravesend is on the south bank of the Thames, twenty-one miles from Charing Cross. It was the first port of entry into London for a long time, but the opening of Tilbury Docks on the other side of the river took much of its traffic. The pilot station for the Port of London remains there, along with a RNLI lifeboat station.

There was also a ferry from Gravesend to Tilbury until March 2024, when it stopped due to lack of funding from the 'bankrupt' Thurrock Council, despite being popular.

Pocahontas is also buried in Gravesend.

The Downs is a ship anchorage off the port of Deal in Kent; ships would - and still do - anchor there to protect themselves from strong southerly or westerly winds (as the coast blocked them) or if waiting for suitable winds to head elsewhere. Indeed, the port town grew up to deal (pun intended) with their needs during their says.

There would be six bridges east of Westminster Bridge on the Thames at this time; Tower Bridge, opened in 1886, would be the easternmost crossing point that a pedestrian or carriage could use at this point. The Thames Tunnel was by now a railway tunnel. Those to the east of that were reliant on ferries until 1897, when the western part of the Blackwall Tunnel opened, in a few years becoming the bottleneck it still is to this day.

St Paul's Cathedral, at 111m high, was the tallest building in London from 1710 until 1939 when Battersea Power Station was completed at two metres taller. . Today, there are still restrictions on building new skyscrapers in London to ensure the catherdal can still be viewed.

The Tower of London had been a tourist attraction since at least the Elizabethean period; it was getting over 500,000 visitors a year by the end of the century, but still retained some non-tourist uses.

The Pool of London is the bit of the river from London Bridge to Limehouse - it was the site of the original port until the Docklands were built to deal with massive overcrowding. The maritime industry here effectively collapsed along with the rest of the docks in the 1960s, but this area hasn't seen as much regeneration as parts further east.

The West India Docks were three large docks and associated buildings built at the beginning of the 19th century (1800 to 1802) to deal with trade to/from the British West Indies, to wit the sugar produced by the slave labour in the plantations there; Robert Milligan, its architect, was a slave trader who was unhappy about the delays and theft of his goods at the wharves, so wanted a more secure facility. Closed in 1980, it was converted into the Canary Wharf development, with the famous Underground station built in the former middle dock.

Now I have mistaken a Newfoundland dog for a coat-wearing homeless person in the dark myself - they are very big dogs. However, this has to be taken in the context of the rest of the description of Tonga.

Barking Level is where the River Roding enters the Thames. It is a largely industrial area today.

Plumstead Marshes were an area of low-lying soggy ground that was used by the Royal Arsenal (see "The Bruce-Partington Plans") as a testing range; no human inhabitants (since Roman times, when the water levels were lower) and the soft ground could absorb explosions better. They were drained in the 1960s and most of the area become the new community of Thamesmead; one of those "futuristic estates" that instead became crime-ridden due to bad planning and lack of amenities, which have not yet been fully corrected.

A slightly graphic (including a nasty facial/eye injury) discussion of the problems of recovering bodies from the Thames can be found in this February 2024 news article on the search for a chemical attacker's body: https://news.sky.com/story/the-traumatising-search-for-dead-bodies-in-the-thames-and-why-dozens-are-found-every-year-13071612

[spiritsrituals]

whisky promoter in india

whisky promoter in india, the amber nectar, continues to dominate the palate in India. It is the preferred pout and the most enjoyed Spirit in the country. As elsewhere, even though Gin is gaining a lot of attention, but Whisky continues to be on top of the game.

The last 18 months have been dominated by Covid situation, impacting all F&B in India, including spirits. The Covid situation now seems in control; across the country except states of Maharashtra ( Mumbai ) & Kerala, where the numbers are still a challenge.New Delhi & NCR is well paced with Positivity ratio being less than 1 %. Vaccination rates have come down, but numbers are still high across most states.Hills Stations and Tourism spots are witnessing massive crowds thus endangering the covid climate once again.Medical Community & the Govt are preparing for the impending third wave, which is being predicted either in Oct or even Dec.Growth in Real Estate industry on premium housing. Growth witnessed in people buying houses in the hills. Large offices opening with 50% employees. Global brands are still WFH till Oct 2021, at this stage. There is reduced movement in High energy Zones like Bars, Night Life, Premium Dining, etc.. Wedding beginning to pick up with smaller guest lists of 50 -150. There is also  a defined movement towards most affluence Indians looking at moving overseas – Dubai, Australia, Canada and UK being favourite

The F&B Environment in India is an upswing, as cities and states continue to open up.

Hotels and F&B Outlets have opened with 50% capacity. Bars have also opened but not witnessing large number of guests – Less than 30%. Over 35% outlets in premium dining may not open again, as perestimate at stage. Outlets are offering as much 33% discount on dining, with an average cheque US$20.00 per head. Most stand alone F&B Outlets are witnessing 40%-60% average footfalls, from 2019.Malls are witnessing 50%-60% footfalls but not much conversion in sales. Higher base of customers in local markets & for weekly shopping. There is a good response to fast food & Indian snacks – up by over 60%. Pizza is the most ordered fast food, followed by Burgers and then Indian Samosa. Full meals are being ordered at least twice a week by over 20% households, average US$ 80 per order. Huge growth in cloud kitchens & home delivery services. Growth in Indian regional cuisines & local chefs. There is also high growth in Indian Home chefs & home-made condiments. Hotels are offering Premium food Hampers with multiple cuisines, at over 40% discount from pre Covid rates.Most people who could not afford Hotels, are now enjoying hotel foods delivered at home, at 40%-50% lesser price. Hotels like The Taj Hotels are opening food trucks to cater to quality fast foods. Large Growth in health foods, spices & condiments. There is also large growth in home Cocktail Mixes, Tonic Water & Mixers. Home catering is picking up well, with packaged & designed hampers. There is definitive growth in premium alcohol & spirits. Growth in Healthy Dining & Premium Foods. Most Trends are here to stay – Health & Healthy Foods. Home Bars & entertainment at home – High Possibility of revival

All Things Beverage

Retail sales are at all time high with shops recording over 200% growth in the last few months. Hotels &Stand alone Bars are doingmodest business, less than 30%, but high opportunity in the next 6 months. The Duty Free is at an all-time low, but looking to ramp up in 12 months with international travel picking up again.Home Drinking – Starts on Tuesday & weekends are looking more “food oriented”. Over 20 flavours of mixers are on offer across premium outlets. Cigars are gaining ground with more smokers buying in India. Gin & Whisky top as Spirits of Choice. Rum & Tequila are on limited offer. Vodka picks up every so often often based on crowd. Bar displays – In Vogue. Movements towards Premiumization of Spirits. Whisky – Top of the Value Chain. New guidelines on Communication of Beverage Brands. Digital gains prominence, though physical event will start again by Sept 2021

New Trends

The above points can be used as an input on going ahead with all areas.The consumer profile remains the same though there may be changes in their thinking. New Excise Policy in New Delhi – Encouraging, will lead to higher sales. New Excise Policy in Gurugram – Expected in 2 months. High end retail being planned across key markets in India. Higher focus of new Investors on catering to home services, fresh foods, fruits & condiments than bars. Investors are keen on low investments cloud kitchens, than investing in outlets in premium bars in “loud” locations. Move towards backing promising Mixologists / Chefs to offer & create own brand of Cocktail F&B Outlets / Outlets. Investors keen on creating home grown F&B Brands seeing the success of othere. Home chefs looking at small outlets & investors.

Social Trends

New Bars coming up in Goa & smaller towns

Neighbourhood bars may be the new trend in 2022

Beam Suntory join’s Diageo & Pernod Ricard on top

Reduced rate of footfalls in Bars in Malls – Needs to be studied

Most younger people are relocating out of large towns, which is impacting office operations, such large companies / brands are looking at moving out of CBDs

******

SLL also feels that these are current trends and things may change in the next 12 – 18 months

It is imperative to adopt the new learning’s, refresh the product offering & launch again in India.

The new marketing activity will need to start afresh & all old work may need to be updated

SLL will start afresh, with redefined leanings and the new environment in Beverages & Bars

Based on our joint plan on moving ahead, SLL is ready to launch any Marketing & Market Development  exercise for Paragraph, UK in India

Whisky production has evolved in the last few years, in India. As per a Spokesperson of Paul John Distillery, “Changes are being seen and felt across, all Indian whisky has been changing on all points over the last few years. As consumers become more aware, and with more international brands now available, Indian Whiskies discovered the need to hold their own against global products and have striven to do so with success. New technology and innovations have been introduced across the board, including innovative packaging, better testing in accordance with global norms and information available on the labels as per FSSAI implementation in the country. More and more whiskies are using high quality Indian malt spirit along with grain-based ENA or even pure malts and Single Malts, all of which require not only resources and innovation but also need much stricter Quality Assurance processes.

Indian whisky (IMFL) historically has been made from molasses-based ENA blended with flavours due to the high availability of the by-product in our country. Over time, consumers have developed a taste for grain based and malt based whiskies and as such, the core DNA of most Indian whiskies has changed from cane based to grain based. The economy segment across India still dominates the volume of alcohol consumption. Having said that, we have observed that with the improvement in standard of living coupled with the awareness, exposure and evolving preferences will certainly redefine the Indian consumption pattern.

Though according to Mr. ThiruvikramNikam, Joint Managing Director of Amrut Whiskies,“The process of whisky production is more or less standard across the globe. However, there has been a massive change in the technology leading to improvements in the quality of the products while being environment conscious. Styling is an ongoing change that reflects the trend to connect in different ways with the customers.Though the basic production process remains the same but there is an increasing use of Grain Alcohol in Whisky making in India instead of Molasses Alcohol.  Also increasing blending with Indian Malt spirit alongwith Scotch Malts.

The key factor in terms of production norms is sustainability and quality assurance. This includes the ability to consistently source high quality raw and packing materials as well as establish and maintain control on the factory floor to ensure consistent quality is provided. Based on one’s experience, these factors vary from one company to another. General key factors revolve around the raw materials, fermentation time, pot stills, casks etc., to produce quality new make spirit and by extension a great malt whisky.

Today’s Indian consumer is much more globally aware. They are highly exposed to global/international products and therefore are constantly and actively seeking out new and exciting options. Alcoholic beverages are now more acceptable, and the urban consumer specially is more educated and prefers to shop in large format stores where he can explore a wider range of options.The data reveals that there is a surge in sales of premium products which only goes to show that consumer exposure and preferences have evolved to enjoy better character and profile of whisky, rum or brandy. Also, the fact that availability and consumption of variety of brands from across the globe is an indication of the evolving consumer pattern. According to Sanjeev Banga, President, RadicoKhaitan, a leading Indian Company, “The Indian consumer has evolved a lot in the past few years and if fairly knowledgeable. They are seeking better quality products and willing to experiment and try newer blends.

There are new trends being witnessed in consumer behaviour as well. Product innovation and premiumisation are the key and bodes well for the future of Whisky in India. The Indian consumer demands high quality both in product and packaging, while still seeking value. MOTs and Modern trade outlets that allow consumers to enjoy a personal shopping experience will continue to grow, in turn encouraging consumers to explore multiple brands in addition to their brand of choice, their preferences may change based on occasion as well.

Consumers are showing keenness to enjoy quality products. Seeing this change, companies are gearing up to move towards premium segment of supply. In terms of marketing, the virtual whisky releases and tastings are here to stay for a while. The pandemic has made that aspect of brand building and storytelling possible with the consumer.Pandemic has resulted in more home consumption, upgradation to premium brands and taboos relating to alcohol consumption are coming down.   More and more consumers are now drinking to enjoy and celebrate rather than to get drunk.

So what are the new consumer consumption patterns in India.! According to a Spokesperson from Paul John Distillery, “ The biggest change has been the acceptability of alcoholic beverages as just another beverage and their entry into the urban households. Today, it is quite acceptable to offer a guest a drink at home. This has allowed for consumption patterns to shift from a drinking session to sessions with friends and family where alcohol may also be served.The consumers today are much more evolved due to their exposure to more options. They know their tastes and are not afraid to experiment. This change is observed across all age groups, but mostly at the prestige and above price points.The consumers are becoming creators in their own right. While enjoying their whisky in the traditional way, they are also engaging in putting together easy-to-make cocktails that can give their favorite whisky a new dimension.According to Sanjeev Banga, “ There is increasing acceptance of the fact that India today is producing World Class Whiskies be it Blended or Single Malts.  The Indian consumer now takes pride in the consuming Indian products and the craze for imported brands in gradually coming down.

There have been changing consumer preferences towards Whisky Styles, Regions, Countries, Palate as well. The biggest change is the move towards authentic, malt-based whiskies. As they experiment with various styles of whiskies, the consumers are developing sophisticated palates which allow for more variety in styles and finishes. Going forward, special finish whiskies will grow in size as they offer the consumer something over and above the standard fare. Though according to Mr. ThiruvikramNikam, Joint Managing Director of Amrut Whiskies, “Indian are known to like smoky whiskies (in varying range of intensity) and we have also observed that people take great liking towards having whiskies from across the globe. The consumers are wide ranging. They are new and evolved, young and older. They offer a mixture of opinions and views that brands are out to seek.More and more people are now drinking to enjoy the moment, be it with family, friends or in celebration of an occasion.

Indian are appreciating&enjoying their whiskies, more than ever before. Every consumer has his own way of enjoying a Whisky. Overall, however, we can say that consumers enjoy whiskies as they are, with less emphasis on flavoured mixers.People are enjoying their whiskies the way they like it and that is how it should be. Having said that, for a malt enthusiast, it is an exploration and normally they enjoy it neat or with a splash of water.Along with premium product offerings the resultant packaging has also improved tremendously and now you can get world class Indian products in packaging similar to international brands.

One of the key factors has been the change in packaging. Brads including Amorim Top Series, Portugal and Bruni Glass, Italy besides Wade Ceramics, England are offering world class solutions to the Indian spirit industry. Packaging has definitely changed over time. FSSAI and global packing norms have been key drivers in this change, consumers have also actively encouraged this change due to the growing urge to know what they are buying. Detailed information on labels, innovative designs that catch the eye and emphasise the quality of the liquid etc are specially noticed with regard to premium categories. According to ThiruvikramNikam, “Today brands are using the packaging to convey the uniqueness of their produce and enlighten the consumers to read and make a choice.

So after all this does Age continue to be a huge factor with Indian consumers. According to Paul John, “ Age is definitely a factor but more for the manufacturer than the consumer. With the much higher efficacy of maturation in the subcontinent, a whisky aged for 3 years here displays similar maturity to whiskies aged 8-12 years in colder climates like Scotland. The correct ageing of whisky is very important for manufacturers to get the product right. The consumer relates more with the experience of the finished product. Global malts are also slowly moving away from making age statements in acknowledgement of this fact, It is an undisputable fact that ageing of whisky is imperative to relish and enjoy it. Age plays an essential role in shaping up the whisky. However, the length of ageing depends and varies from place to place. Consumers now know better to look beyond the age and enjoy the whisky on its merit.

Though RadicoKhaitan, the makers of Rampur Single Malt Indian Whisky avers, Sanjeev Banga President, states, “ We strongly believe Age is just a number.  Specially in Indian weather conditions where malt maturation is 3 to 4 times faster than Scotland.  What is important is the taste of the whisky on the palate and not the Age.  More and more consumers, specially for Single Malts are now aware of the fact that Single Malts coming from new world may not carry any Age Statement but are at par, if not better than number of brands that carry age statements.

Trade Channels

The pandemic has virtually wiped out the on-premise channel. This has made the off/retail channel much more important than it previously was.In India, trade and channels vary from state to state based on state government policies. Now retailers are offering consumers a retail experience unlike before. Yes, very much so. The threat of the pandemic has made people wary on close quarter engagements and gathering. While social distancing is the norm, a lot of the consumer outreach program has taken stream virtually offering a unique solution and opportunities for brand building and marketing.Online and Home delivery are the new norms.  Though still at a nascent stage in India but growing everyday.

Brand Marketing & Consumer Outreach

With the decimation of on-premise channels, it is no longer possible to allow consumers to experience new products or to pair food and drink for a new experience. In store marketing options are also highly limited. Thus marketing and consumer outreach has moved from the physical world to mass and virtual media where consumers share their experiences and build communities around brands. Since advertising is still not legally allowed for the industry in India, this means that consumer outreach is primarily based on word of mouth on social platforms today.

Digital marketing and social media are the new buzz words and their influence will keep growing in future

A Toast to the Future

Whisky accounts for nearly 70% of all spirit sales in the country. It is. While a lot of the categories in India are being shaken up and are creating a lot of buzz and activity, whisky is the dominant category in India and will remain to be for the foreseeable future.This is not likely to change in the immediate future. Though Gin as a category is growing at a very rapid pace, but on a very small base. Whisky will continue to flourish in India, however the next few years look tough for Made-In-India whiskies due to changing govt. policies. While we have already achieved parity or surpassed most global brands in terms of quality and packaging, the statutory and regulatory environment in India is highly skewed against domestic spirits. Global brands already have a massive advantage with fixed annual market costs in most states, as well as lower % taxes at the local level. They are also able to get around the Indian laws prohibiting advertising by running their global campaigns online. With the govt. mulling reduction of import customs duties, the disadvantage for Indian products will only increase.I’ll respond to this from Amrut’s perspective, we are adored for our innovation and unprecedented releases of single malt expressions like Herald, Naarangi, Spectrum …, continuing this trend we will soon be going to release first of its kind expressions in India and the globe. According to Sanjeev Banga, President, RadicoKhaitan, a leading Indian Company, “ As they say, best is yet to come. There is increasing premiumisation in the Whisky space and more producers are entering the Indian Single Malt category.  The future looks very promising for Indian Whiskies not only in India but globally.  India has so much to offer to the world in terms of its unique and innovative products.