The business summit of the global whisky industry, the world whiskies conference, will get underway on 18 April, 2007, at the Radisson SAS in Glasgow, the business capital of one of whisky''s heartlands.

The annual conference attracts the biggest names from the world of whiskies and enables makers to interact with the retail trade to announce their forthcoming offerings

This year, Vijay Rekhi, president and managing director of United Spirits, and regarded as one of the biggest names in the drinks industry will address senior figures from the international whisky industry at the business summit.

In his speech to delegates, Rekhi will stress the potential of the Indian market for Scotch whisky. Despite a global increase in demand for Scotch whisky, exports to India last year dropped by 6 per cent.

The Scotch Whisky Association blames India''s high-tax regime on imported alcohol — both spirits and wine attract 550-per cent import duty.

The Vijay Mallya group flagship United Spirits is currently in advanced talks to acquire the Glasgow-based distiller Whyte and Mackay. A successful deal would give United Spirits access to European markets and pave the way for Whyte and Mackay products to enter into India and possibly China.