Inniskillin,
the top Canadian icewine producer plans to enter India soon, according
to the company which is a part of the Constellation Group, as disclosed
to Subhash Arora at Vinoble 2008, being held in Jerez, Spain.
Talking to Subhash Arora, Randy Dufour, export director
of Inniskillin, a part of the Vincor Canada, disclosed that
the plans have been finalised with Sula Vineyards at the
recently concluded London Wine Show.
Inniskillin was founded by Don Ziraldo and was merged
into Vincor Canada which was bought over by Constellation,
the biggest wine company in the world. It commands a leadership
position in icewine and has actually brought the Canadian
icewine industry on the world map, challenging the existing,
undisputed Germany and Austria.
Disclosing this to Subhash Arora at the ongoing Vinoble
2008 in Jerez, on Monday, Randy also indicated that initially
the flagship label, made with the hybrid Vidal grapes
will be sold in India. Riesling and Cabernet Franc version
may follow later.
Vinoble 2008 is the world's biggest and most exclusive
wine show for the display of sherry wines and dessert
wines. Held bi-annually, it has over 1200 participants
from around 40 countries. Inniskillin is one of the many
icewine producers participating at the show. Today is
the last day for the 4-day show that opened on 25th when
the weather turned inclement with heavy rains blessing
the show, followed by pleasant weather on subsequent days.
The deal, if it becomes reality, will be a boost to Sula's
import business, which has taken an upward swing during
the last couple of years. Also this would be an entry
for them in the super premium segment. They are already
planning to launch Heidsieck Monopole Champagne soon.
Hardy's label from Australia is also selling very well,
making them one of the 10 biggest importers in India.
Talking of Hardy's, it is curious that both Hardy's and
Inniskillin are part of the same Constellation group.
Is Sula getting more into Constellation for its imports
or is the later planning for some strategic alliance with
Sula in the domestic market?
Only time will tell as Rajeev Samant, the CEO of Sula
won't. After spurning the offers from Diageo, are their
parlays going on between the two? Keep watching
this space.
Subhash Arora
May 28, 2008
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