Diageo to expand operations in India

Banffishire: The leading global premium spirits maker, Diageo, is considering expanding its operations in India.

Its plans include setting up a bottling plant in north India after completing setting up a similar plant in the South in a few months. The company also plans to enter into a partnership with a vineyard in Nashik for manufacturing branded wine products in the country.

Diageo also plans to launch the rest of six classic single malt brands having already launched Lagavulin, Talisker and Caolila brands in India. The company recently launched Captain Morgan dark rum brand, the fifth largest spirits brand in the world, has already received good response, the official said.

Diageo has an equal joint venture with Radico Khaitan in India and manufactures some IMFL brands through that partnership.

One of its IMFL brands, Masterstroke, in the premium segment (Rs300 plus category), will be launched across the country in a phased manner while Guinness, the only beer brand of the company priced at Rs300 plus, is currently being promoted at high-end restaurants and major hotels as part of the initial launch process. Guinness is currently available in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

The brand was launched three months back in the country.