The first signature outlet to open next week is near the US Consulate on Kemp's Corner, Mumbai. Initially, Reliance Signature Fresh is expected to concentrate in the Mumbai market where despite high excise duties the demand is less price sensitive than the rest of the nation.
About 100 labels are initially expected to be available in the wine section- to be located as a separate part of the store. In all likelihood, the wines available would be more of the entry-level, quaffable wines due to heavy taxation. Universally, wines sold in the supermarkets are value-for-money wines which are sold at thin margins but in high volumes. To that extent, several new labels may be introduced for the first time.
Efforts to contact Aman Dhall failed. However, a month ago, in a chat with delWine, Dr. Ariff Jamal, COO of Brindco had hinted that the talks with Reliance for an exclusive tie-up were at the final stage of negotiations.
Our sourcesl confirm that the first signature store will open next week and will eventually stock 400-500 labels. 'Initially, we shall stick to the labels available as many importers have not been able to replenish their stocks with the excise technical complications.' As a concept this is the first high end store to be opened by Reliance, with a lot more imported wines, cheeses, bakery products and other lifestyle products for the HNW individuals,' revealed the source.
Brindco would be the front-end partners. Back end will be looked after by Reliance and the wine selection and promotions will be done by them with Brindco's advice. However the wines would be sources from the global basket.
The organised Retail is expected to revolutionise the sale of wines in India with a new dimension added to the product availability and variety. So why did Reliance take so much time to start when companies like Godrej, Spencer's and Big Bazaar have already taken the lead? Reliance Signature Fresh stores which are slightly of different format were to be opened first.. Getting the licenses was another issue which has been sorted out now and the process of sourcing the wines has already begun,.
Reliance plans to open about 100 such Signature stores in India during the coming months, making a significant potential addition to the wine sales.
Subhash Arora
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Posted By : Subhash Arora |
November 21, 2008 12:00 |
The contract with Brindco is apparently not for their wines alone. The information we have is that the whole range of wines would be covered globally. In any case, we are pleased to publish your comments. You are welcome to contact them directly for any clarifications. |
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Posted By : Maria Gama
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November 20, 2008 13:42 |
Dear Reliance Why are you constricting yourself to Brindco when you are catering to the public demand. There is no room for monopoly and Brindco is not the only company who can supply wines in that quantity to the retail vends. There must be transparency on this front and opportunities should be given to others as well. What will happen when Brindco does not have stocks to supply and the shelves are empty? It is a huge investment and having a fancy wine list does not mean you will be serviced professionally. Regards. Mrs Gama |
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Posted By : Debaseesh Singha |
November 19, 2008 12:09 |
It was nice to read the article & finally Reliance Signature Fresh is there to reach the high segment customers. I would like to know the formalities to enter into an agreemnt for sale of imported wines & vodka as I am a consultant for three labels.Thanks. |
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