report from ARES
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SP)

Panaji, Jul 16: After their national launch in Mumbai this February, German liquor giant Stumbras wants to have  pan-India presence by 2011, officials stated.

The 106 years old Lithuanian firm, which is one of the world's oldest distilleries, has entered Indian market with their liquor brands, after central government slashed import duty on liquor.

"We launched our product in Mumbai in February and by now, have expanded our presence to cover seven states including Maharashtra, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh," Hemang Vasavada, chairman and managing director of Mayflower International, which is the sole distributor of the brand in India, stated.

The company had their Goa launch on Friday with Dolphin distributors as its sole agent in the state.

He said that they are looking at Goa and Maharashtra for rapid business expansion as they are biggest consumers of liquor in the country. "We want to strengthen our network here, as foreign tourists are major consumers for this product," Vasavada said.

"Stumbras will be importing the liquor to the country for now and has plans to have their refill plant in the country, either in Goa or Himachal Pradesh by 2011," the CMD revealed.

The company considers Goa as a major market due to the presence of German and other European tourists flocking the state.

"Our main target will be tourists and non resident Indians who will be staying in starred hotels. We also aim to reach to the common clients, who prefer better quality liquor through our 200 outlets," Rupesh Sawant, partner, Dolphin distributors, said.