Shaw Wallace ties up with Kyndal

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, NOV. 26. Indian liquor major Shaw Wallace and the Glasgow-based Kyndal International, one of the world's largest producers of Scotch whisky, announced a global tie-up, which will lead to launch of major liquor brands in India.

Announcing the tie-up here today, Mr. M. R. Chhabria, Chairman, Jumbo Group, and Shaw Wallace group of companies, said, ``This tie-up with Kyndal is a major step in Shaw Wallace objectives of becoming a truly worldwide company. This will help us not only manufacture and bottle world-class liquors in our distilleries in India but we will also be able to use this as a stepping stone for launching some of our strong brands worldwide".

According to the memorandum of understanding the tie-up will enable Shaw Wallace to bottle scotch whiskies as well as manufacture international liquors in India. This tie-up will also provide Shaw Wallace access to Kyndals' internationally renowned Scottish manufacturing facilities for producing and distributing Shaw Wallace brands worldwide. Kyndal will also assist Shaw Wallace in reviewing its manufacturing and blending processes as well as training personnel for improving overall quality.

Addressing the press conference, Mr. Brian Megson, Chairman and Chief Executive, Kyndal, said, ``through our association with Jim Beam Brands, we will also introduce global brands such as Jim Beam Bourbon, After Shock Liqueurs and American and Australian wines in the near future, and we will explore other opportunities through our association with Maxxium". Kyndal has a portfolio of international brands such as Whyte and Mackay Scotch, Dalmore Single Malt, Vladivar Vodka, Veba ready-to-drink mix and Glavya Liqueurs among others.

Mr. Chhabria also said he was looking for a new partner for the beer business and a new headquarters in Mumbai for Shaw Wallace. The company is in the process of shifting its registered office from Wallace House, Kolkata, to Mumbai. Shaw Wallace has 38 liquor and 17 beer units all over India and at present has a 15 per cent market share.

According to Mr. Chhabria except Dunlop all other companies in the Rs. 2,000 crore Group, are doing well. The companies include Mather & Platt, Hindustan Dorr Oliver, Falcon Tyres and Gordon Woodroffe. Dunlop factory at Kolkata was closed in six months after it reopened last year.

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Section  : Business
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