emphasis on a greater choice of spirits. It is now considered as a status symbol, which in turn drives demand to the point that the brandy segment has been growing at nine per cent each year since 2010 - 11 and constitutes 26 per cent of the spirits market (as on FY13). Evolving category coupled with changing demographics and rapid premiumisation has given brandy manufacturers lots to cheer about. However, consumers shift to rival categories like whisky/vodka due to lack of choice was one of the prime reasons for manufacturers to drive towards premiumisation, thereby offering wider
choice of premium brandy variants.
Rohan Carvalho
Interestingly, India is the world’s largest single brandy consumption country that accounts for 27 per cent. Brandy cocktails could provide much required impetus to the category in India
A premium product Riding high on this wave, United Spirits, who has been in the forefront of innovation and providing wider choice to the consumers, introduced their premium offering, Louis Vernant XO in this category. Furthermore, to bring desire and relevance around the category, United Spirits and I conceptualised a range of exotic brandy cocktails with Louis Vernant XO as its base. The rich fruity flavour and aroma of Louis Vernant XO Brandy completes the harmony necessary to make the perfect cocktail. Brandy cocktails though familiar across the world through cognacs, could provide much required impetus to the category in India thereby giving brandy connoisseurs and cocktail lovers the much required choice. Louis Vernant XO Brandy certainly raises the mark of India’s share of the pie in the growing brandy market. The writer is the Indian ambassador for World Flair Association
FOOD & HOSPITALITY WORLD
27
January 16-31, 2014