Jinro Partners with Monika Alcobev to Bring Korea’s No.1 Soju to India’s Fast-Growing Market

Jinro Partners with Monika Alcobev to Bring Korea’s No.1 Soju to India’s Fast-Growing Market

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 5, 2025

India’s premium alcobev market is set for a major boost as Monika Alcobev Limited announces a new partnership with Jinro, the world’s No. 1 spirit and South Korea’s most iconic Soju brand. Through this collaboration, Monika Alcobev will now handle Jinro’s complete India operations, import, distribution, and marketing across key cities.

The partnership comes at a time when Soju is gaining powerful traction in India, driven by the rising influence of Korean cuisine, K-culture, and social trends. With more Indian consumers exploring global drinking formats, Soju has quickly become one of the most dynamic categories in the premium spirits segment.

Kunal Patel, Managing Director of Monika Alcobev, said, “We are proud to add Jinro to our premium portfolio lineup. Soju has grown from a regional favourite to a global phenomenon, and Jinro continues to lead that shift. This partnership reflects our alignment with the market and our ability to grow premium global brands in India.”

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Sharing insights from the trade, Hemang Chandat, Chief Commercial Officer at Monika Alcobev, added, “Demand for Soju is accelerating rapidly in India. With Jinro, we are bringing the most recognised and trusted name in the category. The timing is ideal, and we expect strong momentum from consumers.”

The rollout will begin in major metros including Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Goa. Expansion into Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities will follow. To support the launch, consumers can look forward to cultural collaborations, immersive events and dedicated bar programs that highlight authentic Korean experiences.

Popular Jinro variants such as Chamisul Fresh, Green Grape, Plum, Strawberry and Peach will be introduced, giving both loyal Soju fans and first-time drinkers multiple options to explore.

David, Export Manager at HiteJinro Co., Ltd., shared, “We are delighted to introduce Korea’s No. 1 Jinro Soju to Indian consumers through Monika Alcobev’s wide distribution network and strong market presence. India is one of the world’s largest spirit-consuming nations, and together, we believe Jinro Soju will see remarkable growth.”

With this partnership, Monika Alcobev continues to strengthen its premium global portfolio, reaffirming its position as a trusted gateway for international alcobev brands entering India. The collaboration also reflects the company’s focus on sustainable growth, brand-building, and creating meaningful experiences for the modern consumer.


ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

ButterBrews has opened its new outlet in Aundh, marking its largest format café so far. The new space has been designed as an everyday destination, bringing together a comfortable layout, a strong all-day menu, and a clear focus on coffee.

The café has been planned with multiple zones to suit different preferences. It includes an indoor seating area, a non-smoking outdoor section with an amphitheatre-style setup, and a separate smoking zone placed away from the main space to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience for all guests.

The menu offers a premium all-day selection built around fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from breakfast options, healthy bowls, wholesome meals, and vegan dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and dining needs throughout the day.

Coffee continues to be at the heart of the ButterBrews experience. The café uses 100 percent Arabica beans and serves both house blends and manually brewed coffees. It also features guest roasters like Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters, adding variety to its coffee offerings.

Desserts and baked items are prepared in-house at ButterBrews’ bakehouse. Popular choices include the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, which have already become favourites among guests.

Commenting on the opening, Harsh Agarwal, Co-founder, ButterBrews, said, “ButterBrews, Aundh is our largest format cafe yet. We have built a stronger indoor experience and created clear zones across the cafe so guests can settle in the way they like. We want this to be an address people can count on through the week.”

Umang Bhimrajka, Co-founder, ButterBrews, added, “For us, coffee has always been non-negotiable. With 100 percent Arabica beans, house espresso coffees and manual brews that rotate speciality roasters, we are bringing a program that balances familiarity with discovery. Alongside that, the all-day menu and our bakehouse desserts complete the experience we want to offer Aundh.”


McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has reintroduced its popular limited-edition Sipper, bringing back the fan-favourite collectible as part of its app-exclusive Super Sipper Meals. The offering follows strong customer demand earlier this year and is available for a limited time across select regions.

Accessible exclusively through the McDonald's App, the Super Sipper Meals can be ordered between 4 PM and 7 PM, adding an element of exclusivity and urgency for customers looking to grab the collectible while stocks last.

The meals are offered in two variants, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The Veg option, includes a McAloo Tikki Burger, Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff. The Non-Veg variant, features a McGrill Burger along with Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff.

Commenting on the reintroduction, Rajeev Ranjan said the overwhelming response to the earlier launch highlighted customers’ interest in unique and engaging experiences. He added that the brand remains focused on delivering offerings that combine value, taste, and memorable moments.

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s India – North and East continues to strengthen its presence with over 295 restaurants and 190+ McCafé outlets across the region. The brand’s latest offering reflects its ongoing effort to create experience-led promotions that go beyond traditional value meals.

By combining everyday favourites with collectible merchandise, the reintroduced Sipper campaign aims to enhance customer engagement while driving digital adoption through its app ecosystem.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

CoCo Ichibanya has opened its new outlet at Ambience Mall Gurugram, adding a global flavour to the mall’s growing food and beverage offerings. Located on the third floor, the restaurant spans around 3,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 52 guests.

Founded in 1978 in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known as one of the world’s largest Japanese curry chains. The brand is popular for its curry-and-rice dishes, offering a mix of consistency and customisation, allowing diners to personalise their meals based on taste and preference.

The launch is part of Ambience Mall Gurugram’s ongoing effort to strengthen its dining portfolio by bringing in well-known international brands. With this addition, the mall continues to expand its options, offering both everyday dining choices and unique global experiences to visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Consumer preferences today are evolving towards experiences that feel both authentic and globally relevant. CoCo Ichibanya brings a strong international identity along with an offering that is approachable and versatile. At Ambience Mall, our focus remains on curating a balanced and contemporary mix, and this addition further strengthens that direction.”

With the opening of CoCo Ichibanya, Ambience Mall Gurugram further builds its position as a destination that blends retail with curated dining and lifestyle experiences, catering to a modern and globally aware audience.

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