VIJAY MALLAYA: “A VISIT TO CHINA IS LONG OVERDUE”

UB group may be looking to extend its clutches abroad, most likely China, as well as increasing its influence in the Indian wine market. Chairman Vijay Mallya pointed out that “growth in the western markets is pretty flat compared to India and Asia," and they have much better chances with an eastern expansion. “China is a market I want to seriously look at.” As we all know, UB is the third largest spirits company in the world after Diageo and PR and is going through the process of consolidation with United Spirits. They appear to want to give the number one and two spots in the market a run for their money. Vijay remarked that “we’re number three in the world, but we’re very India-centric, and we would clearly like to be global.” However, he does not seem worried about losing control of the Indian market to players like Fosters and SABMiller: "With the ban on advertising and sponsorships, foreign brands have an inherent handicap here," he said.

Vijay is also hoping to get more involved in the wine market, citing that “wine is definitely one of the growing segments... We are looking at it very seriously and want to expand our facility located at Baramati in Maharahstra as a full-fledged winery with new variety of grapes.” In addition to wine and spirits, UB is considering bringing Kronenbourg beer, a Scottish and New Castle brand, to India where it “would be particularly appealing to women,” said Vijay.