Highland Distilleries in talks with Indian distributors

MUMBAI: Highland Distillers, maker of ''The Famous Grouse'' whisky, is in discussions with a number of companies regarding the distribution of its Scotch whisky products within the Indian market.
Paul Ross, director of emerging markets, said that like many other international companies operating within this "vibrant economic environment," Highland Distillers, part of the Glasgow-based Edrington Group, would continue to reassess business opportunities as they arose."The Indian market remains intrinsic to the company''s long-term business outlook," he pointed out to this paper.
Though Highland Distillers and ''The Famous Grouse'' have been operating within India for many years, the firm opened its India liaison office three years ago. Industry sources familiar with the talks said that the firm had held tentative discussions with a number of Indian companies about forging possible trading links.
Meanwhile, Radico Khaitan, a significant player in the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and country liquor segments, is searching for a robust portfolio of brands in the imported Scotch, single malt and cognac categories.
Informed sources said that the firm could be in talks for the distribution of ''The Famous Grouse'' label, though there was no confirmation from the company.
Incidentally, sources insisted, plans to bring Maxxum - a distribution company jointly owned by Highland Distillers, France''s Remy Martin, Jim Beam Brands of the US and Absolut Vodka of Sweden - to the country to boost the local presence of brands such as ''The Famous Grouse'' and ''Remy Martin'' were also discussed.
However, the minuscule market for imported spirits and the high duties prevalent in the country were a major deterrent, sources said.