In high spirits: World whiskies conference set to open at Glasgow
17 Apr 2007
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.