|  ‘LUCA Wines have always been looking for rapid growth for which it has been in search for a large business house to support the growth plan. Finally it found the synergy in Piccadilly Group, whose business is in total sync with LUCA wine business as they already have interest in liquor, sugar, hospitality and real estate,’ says Mr. M.K. Rustagi - Co-promoter and Joint Managing Director of Nirvana Biosys, founded by an IIT Delhi Alumnus Dr. J. P. Gupta who is the CMD.
Rustagi who has been the right hand man of Dr. Gupta since inception, adds, ‘LUCA Wines has created a big success by introducing wide range of wines – Red, White, Sparkling, Lychee, Mango, Herbal, Vermouth (Sweet & Spicy) and Port wine. It serves a complete customer segment due to its wide range. With strong presence in 11 States in over 1200 outlets and the international market in over 6 countries – Italy, UK, Japan, Dubai, Canada, Malaysia, it has sold over 60,000 cases in the last 3 years.’
LUCA gained a strong foothold in the North Indian wine market, especially in the Delhi- NCR region, being the first winery in North India set up with the objective of importing the grape juice and fermenting it in a state-of-the-art winery in Haryana. It had entered into collaboration with a Mauritius-based firm owned by French winemakers who have been associated with this business for decades. It also innovated and introduced a few unique wines especially Litchi fruit wines followed by Mango wines which found a good response in the export market. Recently it has also introduced herbal wines which have yet to establish a strong market.
DelWine was the first to report about the winery after a visit in September 2010 and since then has reported on the various milestones including its failed exclusive tie-up for marketing with Nature’s Bounty, the wine import company owned by Amit Burman of the well-known Dabur group. The venture faced several roadblocks and ended in a quick divorce with both sides coming to amicable parting of ways. Since then, the company has been marketing on its own.
‘LUCA is poised for the next level to exploit its full potential,’ says Rustagi. He further clarifies that according to the understanding reached between the two parties, the winery along with the business, existing management and staff, would become a part of the Piccadilly Group.
Rustagi refused to disclose the total consideration for the takeover to delWine but instead said that the Piccadilly Group was already considering mid to long term growth plan of LUCA Wines, including further upgrading its product range that would include the premium Reserve category wines which would be aged in oak barrels and further geographical expansion.
He disclosed that under the Piccadilly group LUCA is also working to go for the production of Brandy for which the project work has already started.
Subhash Arora |