 |
Madhusudan Desai, CEO of Haiko with Rajeev Samant |
Haiko in Hiranandani Gardens , Powai in Mumbai has become the first supermarket to obtain the new wine retail license, under the new law in Maharashtra, which allows supermarkets to sell wine for the first time. Although the law took effect from October 1, 2006, procedural delays came in the process of giving it a practical shape.
Haiko has tied up with Sula Vineyards, India 's leading premium-wine producer and Chateau Indage, India 's biggest. The results has already been declared a resounding success.
"In the first month alone, 70 cases of Sula wine have moved off the shelf! The Indian wine market is set to grow phenomenally," said Mr. Madhusudan Desai, the CEO of Haiko Supermarket, part of Lakewood Malls.
Rajeev Samant, CEO & MD, Sula Vineyards says: "The amazing thing is that though sales have far exceeded our expectations in our first month at Haiko, other wine shops in the area have barely been affected. This means that a whole new group of consumers is being catered to through the supermarket route. The implications for the wine business are staggering. The wine retail revolution starts here!"
The arrangement with Indage was on a 30-day trial basis. The results were satisfactory and the arrangements on a regular basis have been made now.
Complete range of wines is available at this store at reasonable prices. A half bottle of Sula Cab Shiraz that has an MRP of Rs. 234 is being priced to sell at Rs. 209.
Meanwhile Tim Atkins, the well known UK wine writer and author who writes regularly for 'The Observer' has included Sula Sauvignon Blanc 2006 as one of 'the twelve top wines from unusual world destinations, costing between £ 3.99 and £ 16.99'. These countries include, England , China , Israel , Uruguay , Wales and many other countries who are not the focus of wine consuming nations.
'By far the best Indian white wine I've ever had (and that's not faint praise), this is an attractive, nettley white with vibrant, palate-tingling acidity' writes Tim, endorsing the views of delWine already on record.
|
