DIAGEO MOVING BACK TO INDIA

Diageo may be jumping on the bandwagon already occupied by Pernod Ricard and UB by dipping into the burgeoning Indian spirits market. The company already had some experience in the market although it sold its Gilbey’s label to a subsidiary of the UB group years ago. “They should never have sold off,” an analyst tracking the spirits market said referring to Deepak Roy and UB who acquired the brand and made it a success. Although Diageo denies these reports, sources say the conglomerate has hired McKinsey & Co. to help with their reentry into India which will help increase volume and market share. Ravirai Gopal, Diageo’s Chief of Indian operations, reportedly stated that “we are focusing on the premium segment and towards that effort we have launched Ciroc, a premium Vodka label from the Diageo portfolio in India.” Diageo is also planning to introduce Johnnie Walker Gold and Blue.