ABD's Iconiq White Whisky Hits 2 Million Cases Sold in Debut Year

ABD's Iconiq White Whisky Hits 2 Million Cases Sold in Debut Year

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 3, 2024

Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) is celebrating a remarkable achievement as its new ICONiQ White Whisky reaches a sales milestone of 2 million cases in its inaugural year. Despite being available in only 70% of the operational segment, this premium offering has resonated strongly with consumers, reflecting ABD's deep understanding of market preferences and its ability to deliver high-quality products.

ICONiQ White Whisky is a unique blend of imported Scotch malts aged in bourbon oak casks, combined with select matured malts and Indian grain spirits. This blend not only showcases ABD's commitment to quality but also positions the brand in the super-premium segments of the market.

Alok Gupta, Managing Director at ABD India, expressed his delight at the success of ICONiQ White Whisky, emphasizing how it reinforces ABD's strategic focus on premiumization. He noted that achieving such a milestone amid competition from established multinational brands further strengthens their resolve to venture into even higher value segments.

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Bikram Basu, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at ABD, echoed Gupta's sentiments, stating that while they celebrate the current success, they are already setting their sights higher for the future. This success story underscores ABD's dedication to excellence and its ambition to continually exceed expectations in the spirits industry.

ICONiQ White Whisky is available in various pack sizes, including 750 ml, 375 ml, 180 ml, and 90 ml, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences.

In addition to its success with ICONiQ White Whisky, ABD has also gained recognition for its other brands, including Sterling Reserve Whisky, further solidifying its position as a leader in the market. With a strong distribution network and a focus on understanding consumer needs, ABD is poised for continued growth and success in the ever-evolving spirits industry.


Six Taj Restaurants in Chennai Win Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2024

Six Taj Restaurants in Chennai Win Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 6, 2024

Six premier dining destinations from Taj Hotels in Chennai have earned the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2024, solidifying their place among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide. The prestigious award recognises the restaurants’ commitment to offering unique and exceptional dining experiences, consistently praised by travellers. The awardees include Southern Spice, Golden Dragon, Anise, and Chipstead at Taj Coromandel, along with Raintree and The Verandah at Taj Connemara.

These restaurants represent a rich blend of traditional and contemporary culinary styles, attracting guests with their delectable cuisine and world-class service. Speaking about this recognition, Sarabjeet Singh, Senior Vice President - Operations, expressed his delight: “I am thrilled that several of our restaurants have won the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to the excellence of our cuisine, the rich heritage of our restaurants, and the dedication of our teams to serving our guests. We thank our patrons for their continued support and trust and remain committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences.”

Taj Coromandel, a landmark in Chennai's hospitality scene for over five decades, is renowned for its luxurious dining experiences. Among its celebrated restaurants, Southern Spice stands out as the country’s iconic South Indian specialty restaurant, offering an authentic culinary journey through the four southern states—Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Golden Dragon, a pioneer in introducing fine Sichuan cuisine to Chennai, continues to excel under the guidance of its expat master chef, Lian, who curates a stellar selection of Chinese delicacies.

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For a more casual yet sophisticated dining experience, Anise, an all-day dining restaurant, offers a diverse menu featuring global flavours, from Italian to Mediterranean and coastal dishes. For those looking for a relaxing evening, Chipstead, the chic bar and lounge, provides a perfect setting with its vibrant cocktails and elegant ambience.

Meanwhile, Taj Connemara, South India’s oldest hotel with a history spanning over 127 years, continues to enchant diners with two award-winning restaurants—Raintree and The Verandah. Raintree is a celebrated destination for authentic Chettinad cuisine, offering culinary adventurers the opportunity to explore bold, traditional flavours from Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad province. The Verandah, an all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, brings global flavours to the table, but its Anglo-Indian menu, inspired by the colonial era, remains a highlight, evoking memories of the British Raj.

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The Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards are a reflection of the restaurants’ unwavering dedication to excellence, as only establishments that consistently receive outstanding reviews from travellers earn this honour. These Taj restaurants in Chennai continue to push the boundaries of fine dining, creating unforgettable experiences for their guests.


Saif Ali Khan Exudes Royal Charm in the New Royal Ranthambore Whisky Campaign!

Saif Ali Khan Exudes Royal Charm in the New Royal Ranthambore Whisky Campaign!

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 5, 2024

A toast to luxury and heritage! Radico Khaitan Limited, one of India’s largest IMFL companies, has unveiled its latest brand campaign for the premium Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Whisky, starring none other than Saif Ali Khan. The campaign, which blends opulence with the raw, untamed spirit of the wild, marks a new era of luxury in Indian whisky, titled Best World Whisky. It was a match made in luxury heaven as Saif Ali Khan, a symbol of royal sophistication, perfectly embodies the brand’s essence of strength, elegance, and tradition.

The Nawab of Pataudi himself graces the new TVC, bringing his effortless charm and nobility to life. Saif seamlessly captures the essence of the Royal Ranthambore Whisky—bold, smooth, and unapologetically royal. His presence exudes charisma, delivering a luxurious message to the audience: this is not just whisky; it’s an experience steeped in heritage and modern flair.

Elevating the Standard of Luxury

Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan Ltd., expressed the company’s excitement about the campaign: “The Royal Ranthambore Heritage Collection Whisky is our pride, and we wanted to create something that reflects its regal essence. Saif Ali Khan’s Nawabi heritage, combined with his modern-day elegance, makes him the perfect ambassador for our brand. This isn’t just another whisky campaign; it’s a celebration of royalty, sophistication, and craftsmanship.”

Amar Sinha, COO of Radico Khaitan Ltd., added: “This partnership with Saif is more than just a collaboration. It’s like hosting a royal feast, where every detail is meticulously crafted. Saif is the perfect finishing touch on a finely aged whisky—his presence amplifies the luxury and tradition we aim to deliver with every sip of Royal Ranthambore.”

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A Bold Blend of Heritage and Sophistication

In the campaign, Saif Ali Khan radiates luxury, standing tall beside the iconic Ranthambore tiger, symbolizing the perfect blend of royalty and untamed elegance. His suave style, combined with the whisky’s full-bodied flavor, creates a stunning visual narrative. “The strength and smoothness of this whisky are perfectly aligned with my own journey,” said Saif Ali Khan. “It has character, depth, and an unmistakable royal touch. I’m honored to represent a brand that embodies both tradition and contemporary flair.”

The campaign is a masterclass in luxury marketing, capturing Saif’s larger-than-life presence and aligning it with the whisky’s bold, smooth profile. Every element of the production was carefully designed to resonate with those who appreciate living life king-size.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Royal Campaign

The creation of the Royal Ranthambore campaign was nothing short of a royal spectacle. Late-night brainstorming sessions and meticulous attention to detail ensured that every frame captured Saif’s undeniable panache alongside the whisky’s rich profile. The energy on set was palpable as the team worked to bring this vision to life, celebrating the harmony between Saif’s on-screen charisma and the bold sophistication of Royal Ranthambore Whisky.

The campaign goes beyond a mere endorsement—it’s a dazzling celebration of two icons: Saif Ali Khan and Royal Ranthambore Whisky. Together, they redefine luxury, sophistication, and tradition, inviting viewers to indulge in a world where every sip is a royal experience.

Catch the new campaign on all major TV networks, outdoor media, and digital platforms, and raise a glass to Royal Ranthambore Whisky—the drink of choice for those who live life king-size!


Swiss Luxury Brand Läderach Opens First Store in Mumbai

Swiss Luxury Brand Läderach Opens First Store in Mumbai

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 5, 2024

Swiss luxury chocolate maker Läderach has opened its first store in Mumbai at Jio World Plaza. This store, the second in India, was launched by Dharampal Satyapal Group (DS Group), the exclusive partner for Läderach in India. The new outlet marks a significant step in the luxury chocolate market, combining DS Group's focus on quality and innovation with Läderach's Swiss craftsmanship to offer an extraordinary experience for Indian consumers.

Läderach, renowned globally for its high-quality Swiss chocolates, is bringing a wide range of handcrafted chocolate bars, pralines, truffles, and exclusive gifting options to Mumbai. The store features the brand's well-known FrischSchoggi, or fresh chocolate, along with various other products, all crafted with care to deliver unique flavors, textures, and aromas that elevate the experience of indulging in fine chocolates.

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Sanskriti Gupta from Läderach India shared her enthusiasm, saying, "We are excited to introduce the luxurious experience of Läderach chocolates at Jio World Plaza, our first store in Mumbai. As a strategic market for Läderach, Mumbai has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm for our brand, evident in the resounding success of our e-commerce offerings. In strategic partnership with the DS Group, we aim to expand our reach and offer the distinctive Läderach experience to a wider Indian audience."

Läderach began its e-commerce operations in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai towards the end of last year, aiming to strengthen its presence in the Indian luxury retail market. The partnership between DS Group and Läderach, announced last year, marked the debut of the Swiss brand in India. It started with the opening of a store at DLF Emporio Mall in Delhi NCR, which offered an immersive in-store experience for customers.

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DS Group, a multi-business corporation and a major FMCG player in India, is committed to bringing unique luxury experiences to the Indian market. Established in 1929, DS Group is known for its diverse portfolio, which includes products and services in sectors such as food and beverage, mouth fresheners, luxury retail, hospitality, and agriculture. Some of the well-known brands under its umbrella are Rajnigandha, Catch, Pulse, and Läderach.

The new store at Jio World Plaza is expected to be a significant addition to Mumbai's luxury chocolate market, offering customers an exquisite chocolate experience during the festive season and beyond.

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