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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Rajeev, diversification does not justify adventurism. People in Australia sniggeried when they bought the second winery- at much higher than the market price. The company insistied they would close the deal when they had no funds.Employees were not getting salaries when they were on a buying spree on credit to be arranged from uncertain plans. How come Sula has been increasing its sales despite the recession? (OK, Indage helped them some!) We are giving a lot of 'credit' to the recession for their downfall. Surely it was a catalyst. Its interesting for example, that one always thought Indage House was owned by Indage but it turns out it was bought by someone else and the management claims it was only a tenant-so the benefit of real state appreciation are taken by someone else. There are stories one has heard for over 20 years that would make an interesting non-fiction but would lread like fiction- even though I take them with a pinch of salt as they are from ex-employees. I still hope the company stays intact and let the shareholders decide the Board. But it is impoant for the industry to have fair and strong competition. We don't want the current Sula to become arrogant as some of our readers claim, and go astray too. Subhash |
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Rajiv seth Says: |
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Indage is an extremely diversified company having interest in many businesses. Stretching up to recent foreign acquisitions in wine industry, they seemed to be on the right track until recession hit the wine industry internationally. Public should remember that the chairman of the company is man of extremely high stature. He has been the chairman of the Maharashtra economic development council and is the chairman of Indian Grape Processing Board. His personal stakes are too large ,not only financially but otherwise also. So before passing a negative judgment on the credibility of his company and team members they should not only be careful but also supportive of the efforts of the company to stage a comeback so that the flag of this Indian wine company may fly high once again
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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I can feel your pain, Rakesh. I was the first one in India who brought out the imminent downfall when many people practiclly abused me for saying so. It is later that the main financial press got the gist of what I was saying. I still hope the company does not go bankrupt for the sake of the future of the industry and people like you who are suffering. Don't forget I am talking of the company and not shareholders. What prevents the bankers and other shareholders to remove the exisitng office- bearers and instal a new Board? There is a rumour that there is a meeting called by SEBI on 15th or 16th of this month with banks for discussions on the course of action. No, I don't know about the 20p to the Rupee offer. For your information, I have nothing to do with Chougules to be in their good books or bad-I simply write what I feel is right. For your info, I met Mr. Sham Chougule twice in my life and have never met the sons-though I have been occasionally in touch with Ranjit through emails. Moreover, to the best of my knowldege both Mr Mallya and Rajeev are not interested in the takeover or perhaps they are awaiting the time when it can be sold for the token Re.1- only time and the events that unfold will tell. Subhash |
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Rakesh Dhaia Says: |
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well Done Subhash, Its time to get on the good side of the Chougle's for old times sake. Are you aware they have asked all Creditors to settle for 20 paise?? If that is not Bankruptcy then what is that. Indage UK Ltd filed for Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in that country. In the UK, CVA is a deal between an insolvent company and its creditors that places a ring fence around the company to keep creditors at bay.Insolvent/Banckrupt is it not the same. This is nothing but a case of total mismanagement and wanting to get full control of the Company after loosing majority Shareholding cause of open market sale of their shares by the secired crediotrs whereby the Chougles holding came down to 21%. Since 2008 July no new grape has been purchased by Indage in Maharashtra. They are even today selling 2008 wine in the market ( old wine in new label bottle ) by changing the bottling date old wine does not become new, and trust me this is not old matured wine, it is old reprocessed wine. Its high time Chougles realised that making others ( employees, suppliers, Bankers, etc etc ) pay for their mess it is better to handover the company to Dr. Malaya or Mr. Rajiv of Sula, so creditors like us small frys don't go Bankrupt with them. |
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Goldschmidt Jürgen Says: |
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Dear Subash Arora, thank you very much for your visit and this wonderfull report :-)
I hoped you enjoyed it and you will come again! Best greetings. jürgen goldschmidt |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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I totally agree with you, Rajiv. But let us not forget that the same factors were in their favour earlier too. There may have been opportunists here and there- but you find them in every company and it is for the management to check them. There are loyalists and there are sycophants- it is for them to identify. But I do agree and hope that they can rebound- and they will, provided they are honest in cleaning up the cancerous mess and make genuine efforts to pay off the creditors. I do know that they are already back in the market (and therefore are NOT bankrupt-as I have said in my blog) with more prudent policies. Subhash Arora |
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Rajiv seth Says: |
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Dear Mr. Arora, Firstly, one must not forget that Indage has solid Brand support in its basket, secondly Chougule’s are technically very sound, thirdly inherit infrastructure of the company is very strong, fourthly indage has huge capacity to make a fast come back and gain lost ground, and lastly, since opportunists have already left, the company is surrounded by loyalist group and right now they seem to be working overtime for their turnaround plans so hopefully the Indian wine world will witness a lot of action in its foremost wine company again and that too very soon. |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Dear Rangaswamy, You'd agree that only if the company does not go bankrupt will the lenders, growers, suppliers like you and employees will have any hope of getting the money due and unless they pay up, they can't rest in peace. As I said, it looks tough but it is important the company does not go bankrupt. Believing in God will give you the strength to wait and hope that it would be fine at the end. At the end, if they don't take drastic steps, bankruptcy cannot be ruled out, leaving all creditors in the lurch. Good luck to you and all those suffering because of the adventurous practices of Indage. Subhash Arora |
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Ashwin Valecha Says: |
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It was high time the authorities sat across the table with producers to try and resolve the issue of irrational duties and taxes on wines, especially inter-state. An important first step in the right direction. |
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Rengaswami Says: |
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Hi Subhash, For all the plaudits showered on Indage and the past, the fact still remains that Sham, Ranjit, Vikrant have presided over the collapse of a corrupt empire which they built. They have not paid dues to workers, government and small vendors like us. Top The above with arrogance, lack of Humility, Sensitivity, Empathy and courage to settle the dues and gain respect, You know their current situation. We are only praying to GOD that we get our settlement. Regards Rengaswami K |
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Gloria Smith Says: |
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I suspect that it is more to do with outstanding debts and all debtors being referred to an administrator that is the reason, not the High Court decision. If Indage are in business why would they be referring the debts they have to an administrator?? |
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Thierry Peret Says: |
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sir we are based in bordeaux france we would like to export wine to india could u pls tell us the procedure etc regards |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Thanks for the comment and information, Dave. I realise that, but I have written about the company as an entity. Patient is terminal but not dead. Miracle cures have happened in history!!! Subhash |
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David Rowe Says: |
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Thanks Subhash. Apologies for the misleading subject line in my message.
I had also meant to write to you about Indage, regarding your recent article pointing out that they are not bankrupt. In the UK, Indage UK Ltd is bankrupt leaving a lot of people out of work and a string of unpaid bills up and down the country. For this reason, Indage is not taken seriously any more in the UK.
Kind regards
David |
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Alok Chandra Says: |
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Well said, Subhash - I heartily second the sentiments expressed, and knowing both Sham Chougule and his son Vikrant hope and expect that they will take the 'harsh' decisions required to put the company back on its feet. All the best to the pioneer of winemaking in India. |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Dear Avininder,thanks for your comments. My interview was not as much about
wine as about the man and the vision he had about finding clean,
down-to-earth, simple wines which would be so reasonable that they could
well stand up to the onslaught of lower priced wines from countries like
Australia,Chilea, Argentina, South Africa and even Italy. It is of course
important to understand that due to ridiculously high taxes, wines like GCF,
if priced reasonably and without fat margins by the importers, are what the
Indian customer will buy and increase consumption. Subhash Arora |
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AVININDER SINGH Says: |
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Mr.Joseph Helfrich is truly an awesome person and your interview, Subhash ji, made him come alive for me. Lovely piece. I had the good fortune to pick up one of the Alexis Lichine wines the other evening - if I remember correctly it was a Cab. Sauv.- from the excellent wine store at Savitri Complex; I was carrying it to a friends place where I had ben invited for dinner. I had been dithering between a Jacobs Creek and this wine - same price range,Rs.850/=. In the end this turned out to be an inspired choice even though as a 2009 vintage and at the price mentioned one would not have expected anything more than "cheap and cheerfull"!! A full bodied bouquet, very easy on the tongue, and a boisterous, almost rollicking finish - my mate and I both enjoyed the bottle immensely. So, a wise choice Amit and I personally feel a wine brand that I would actively promote. Keep up the good work. |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Thanks for the comments Charles. And congratulations for crossing that magical number. Your competition is still the tops, I think. Many smaller competitions I have been keeping an eye on have faced the reduction due to recession. Subhash. |
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Charles Metcalfe Says: |
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Interesting piece, Subhash. But not all international wine competitions have falling entries. The UK-based International Wine Challenge had more than 10,000 wines entered this year, the most we have ever had. |
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Pushpak Vaish Says: |
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J.P.Chenet is indeed a very good value for money wine, with its unique tilt shape bottle, its surely an attraction wherever kept. Infact its no wonder that it is the best selling french wine brand in the world !. I personally congratulate all the team of the Chenet group for this truly world rewarding e ffort and creating such an masterpiece of art and spirit. J.P.Chenet is available through us in the Northern Region of India. We are the authorised marketing agents for J.P.Chenet in the North India. Contact us at Vaish Agencies, Flat No 3, 40, hanuman lane, Cannought Place,ND 01. Mob : 9810902826,9555683088 |
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YEGAS NAIDOO Says: |
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As a judge at MUNDUSVini this year and a visitor to the Arthur Metz Winery I thank you Subhash for capturing our enjoyable moments there and for highlighting the visionary insights of the man who made it happen together with his capable and enthusiastic son |
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Amit Agarwal Says: |
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Very good article. Alexis Lichine wines are available in India through Hema Connoisseur Collections in Delhi |
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Alcohol Abuse Help Says: |
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Thanx for all your comments. Very wellknown made. Is it really read like your comments.I hope you will continue to............ |
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paul Says: |
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The Tasmac shops are Pathetic, Filthy & Stink with Urine from Drunk men. If you walk into a wine shop at Bangalore its a heaven for a drinker. You can see so many brands available and lots to choose from including wine and foreign beers like Budweiser, Carlsberg & Tugo. Beer cans are also available and you get all the brands. In chennai its pathetic, you cannot get a chilled beer anywhere , not even a beer can, The only brand that decent is KF. What is the govt doing about this,Once they took over things have become worse. |
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Ranjit Singh Says: |
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I want to know about which wine brand is good for health & in cheep cost.
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Cathy van Zyl Says: |
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In Germany! Well, guten morgen.
Hi Malcolm; yes, the Cape does wonderful things with Bordeaux and Rhône (so-called Rhône?) varieties. So, too, does California, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, etc etc etc. What I enjoy most about the world of wine is its variety; so I shall rue the day they grub up any grape simply because it doesn't appeal to the majority's palate. |
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Malcolm Says: |
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A pity Perold failed! Burgundy with Rhone? Rip out all the Pinotage and replant with Rhone varieties or Bordeaux varieties. This is SA Wines future. Ask Andre. I do have a great respect for Beyers Truter. Soldier On!
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Gunjan Mubayi Says: |
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Its great to see Indian Wines get such an impetous.Well done to The Duty Free to ack Indian Brands. |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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This was definitely my article-in entirety but based on the minutes of the meeting of the Association. As usual, I try to analyse rather than just publish the letter like this issued by the Association. In a hurry, i forgot to put my name to it. By I take all the responsibility. Subhash |
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Wendy Vallaster Says: |
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Subhash, was this your article? It's great reporting, and I would love to hear more about imported wines, and the challenges that they face in entering the Indian market, whether it be taxes, excise duties, or variations in regulations between different state governments in the country... hope you are well! |
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B.Shankaranarayan Says: |
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A level playing field is essential for the Indian wine industry to make the big leap forward. Let's hope the MH and KA Govts. have the good sense to work together. |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Congratulations to you and the members of your club, Subhasis. Keep up the momentum. Subhash |
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Subhasis Ganguli Says: |
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The Calcutta Wine Club also held it's 2nd Annual Dinner at La Cucina, Hyatt Regency, Kolkata on 20th August. Italian wines were matched with italian food and the evening was a great success. Regards, Subhasis Ganguli, President, Calcutta Wine Club. |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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My problem and limitation is the same, Avi. We do not take members in the club from wine trade. Perhaps I should bring up to the notice of our executive committe that after 8 years of this rule, we could perhaps relax a little. By the way,I think your chances would have been more if you had threatned us that you would dance naked at Rajpath, swearing you won't stop until you were made the member of the Delhi Wine club!!! Cheers. Subhash Arora |
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AVININDER SINGH Says: |
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Congratulations, Mr.Batra - a beautifully written article; made the evening come alive for me. More power to your pen !! It's apparent that the Leela Gurgaon is really surging ahead with it's culinary offerings and since the President, at Leela, Rajiv Kaul, is a batchmate from my Oberoi days, I naturally applaud it's success. Must go and try out the food - wish we had Bring Your Own Wine options in this Country !! Now, Subhash ji, what exactly do I have to do to finally become a Member of the Delhi Wine Club? Dance naked at Rajpath? I'm game if you are. Ciao for now. |
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Jean Albert Says: |
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Hello Subhash, Great to read more things from you about Chile, and interested in finding new things. Congratulations about it. I am hapy to learn about us from you, and hope to keep on having news from you. Regards, Jean Albert |
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Bharat Deshmukh Says: |
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At last some logical thinking by MAH Govt.This will give level field to all quality players.Good for Grovers & all Mah wineries going to B'lore. |
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Subhash Arora Says: |
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Hey Thanks, Asha. No one called me a Wine Hero before!! Subhash |
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Asha Singh Says: |
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I'm looking forward to working together Subhash....I think I might call you the Wine Hero, if I may! |
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Cathy van Zyl Says: |
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Hi Martin, your point about pinot/colour is valid; however, nearly 100 years ago, the Professor was working with very different clones, especially here on the tip of Africa! The Steytler pinotage is a very good wine, Decanter confirmed that; I simply listed others that I know and like. Cheers |
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Yegas Naidoo Says: |
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Your newsletters contributions to winelovers around the world are outstanding, timeous and informative. As an up to date source of vinous information you are on a par with even the most grandiose wine journals. I try not to miss every copy and will always look forward to future editions |
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Martin Cahnbley Says: |
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You mention that the colour comes from the pinot noir. Surely pinot noir has a much lighter colour due to its thinner skins - just look at Burgundy. How can you not, in an article on Pinotage, mention the Steytler 2006 which won the Decanter Trophy for best single varietal red wine over 10 pounds (money not weight).
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Petronella Salvi Says: |
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Dear Subhash, Sincere congratulations to you particularly, but also to your family for supporting you and making it all possible. I do not always follow the details of your enewsletter, but it makes interesting and informative reading. I know so little about Indian, and only what I have learnt from you about the wine world of India. I always see you very active when our paths cross and you deserve all compliments for hard work and perseverance. Sincerest warm regards, Petronella Salvi
VINO FINO Wine In Style |
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Lynda Benbacha Says: |
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Dear Mr Desai, I met you on several occasion at the restaurant l'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Paris. I have a project in wine and I would like to talk to you about. Please let me know how we can communicate. Kind regards, Lynda
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AVININDER SINGH Says: |
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Anything that one ACTUALLY LIKES always turns out to be IMMORAL, ILLEGAL or FATTENING !! Now we can add PSORIASIS too - Jeez, give us a break !! |
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Maureen Kerleau Says: |
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Well done Subhash. Your Delwine Newsletter has always been the only unbiaised lifeline to the Indian Wine Market and a valuable source of information. Although things may not have progressed a lot in the market itself, you have done a great job in keeping all of us readers as up to date as possible and I hope, given newcomers to the market a far more realistic perspective, thus helping them to avoid many, costly mistakes. Thanks again for your committment - Maureen |
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