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 With the exclusive arrangement not only will Berkmann be able to import the iconic Unico and Unico Reserva, the firm can also import more affordable wines like Valbuena & Pintia. The Mumbai based importer had already added another high quality producer Alvaro Palacios from Priorat into its Spanish wine portfolio with Top Wines like Finca Dofi, Les Terasses etc.
Alvarez group of 5 wineries including Pintia, will give the Spanish wine connoisseurs several options, says Farhad Bhabha, the Managing Director of the company since its formation eight years ago.
The labels will add to the prestige & WOW factor in their portfolio, the maximum sales are still expected to be through the all-Australian Yellow Tail and the big-sized MGM in Italy-the two biggest sellers. The company will continue to benefit from its Antinori Portfolio which is the perfect mix of high volume & high value wines. Berkmann was fortunate to bag it when it was snatched away from Sonarys whose owner Sanjay Menon is credited with popularising in the Indian market.
Appreciating Mr. Sanjay Menon who helped in establishing Antinori brand in India initially, he says, more and more people recognise the Antinori name and Top End Super Tuscan labels like Tignanello sell rapidly even at the retail price in Mumbai of Rs. 15,700. Berkmann sells almost 3000 bottles per year. “Tignanello is an iconic brand in India & our main role is to ensure availability & presence at the right places,” says Farhad who adds that even Solaia is gaining a cult status. This is a very positive sign for the Indian wine market; indicating that the consumers are getting wine savvy and those with deep pockets are willing to pay high prices for exceptional wines.
Keeping in line with the happenings during the current year, Farhad is pleased with the growth this year in the business with a 27% YOY growth already in the first 6 months of this year. The number 7 in delWine list of Top Ten importers, Berkmann had sold over 16,000 cases last year. This year Farhad hopes to cross 20,000 cases.
Says Farhad, ‘The Industry is doing well this year with volumes & margins showing a healthy up-trend.’‘A bit of profitability is encouraging for any business as it helps us to open up new markets,' says Bhabha who confirms that they have now opened up Gujarat, MP, Daman and Telangana in recent times. This in turn will help them spread to new markets & thus new wine consumers.'
The connoisseurs would be pleased to know that Vega Sicilia is under shipment and soon will be available in the hotels as well as in retail.
Star Interview: Pablo Alvarez of Vega Sicilia |