Latest news with #JohnnieWalkerBlueLabel
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Big Scotch tariff cut to bring little cheer for Indians after UK trade deal
Agencies Representative image. At first glance, halving import tariffs on Scotch to 75% under the India-UK trade deal should bring the biggest cheer to India's whisky lovers. But there is little to celebrate once you look closely at India's complex tax regime. In the world's most populous nation, each of the 28 states and eight federally-controlled territories regulate alcohol independently and impose heavy local taxes that contribute richly to the exchequer. That means the price consumers pay for their drink in India includes state excise tax, handling charges, a social welfare fee, and distribution and retailer margins, and once they are taken into account the industry estimates final prices of imported Scotch will come down by less than 10%, four liquor industry executives said. Some fear states may even increase taxes, cancelling out the reduction from the trade deal. One executive at a foreign company said the tariff cut "won't be a gamechanger." Another said the share of customs duty as a percentage of the total product price was less than 25% in most states. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak to the media. Naveen Malpani, consumer and retail industry leader at consultants Grant Thornton Bharat, said the import duty made up only about 10% to 20% of the retail price on average across India, with the rest from local levies and other costs. "The deal is likely to enhance premiumisation and brand variety rather than trigger an immediate spike in demand," he said. A breakdown provided on the website of the government of southern Kerala state shows the high taxation regime: a bottle of Pernod's Chivas Regal blended Scotch aged for 18 years costs 6,288 rupees ($72) with import tariffs, but local taxes and levies take the price to 13,560 rupees ($156). Similarly, Johnnie Walker Blue Label costs 30,570 rupees ($352) in Kerala. In California, after discounts, that brand costs around $180, according to shopping website Despite the high taxes, Euromonitor estimates India's spirits market was worth $37 billion last year, lagging only China and the United States, and it remains an attractive market - Diageo, which produces Johnnie Walker, and Pernod Ricard together had India revenues of almost $6 billion last year. India is Scotch whisky's largest export market by volume, with the equivalent of more than 192 million bottles exported to the country in 2024, and the volume growing by more than 200% in the past decade, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. But doing business in the whisky-loving country is challenging. As well as the layers of taxation, companies must contend with a web of regulation, which requires they seek approval for bottle labels and prices each year. In 2022, Pernod's then South Asia CEO told Reuters in an interview that India was "probably the most complex market" in the world for the industry. Amid the complexity, local producers have also stepped up. Made-in-India single malts are offering stiff competition to the established international brands as Indians develop a taste for bespoke cocktails and more sophisticated drinks. Young Indians "are all going for Indian single malts rather than Scotch," said Rajesh Chopra, director general of Indian Malt Whisky Association, adding lower tariffs could spur collaboration among Indian and UK whisky makers.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Big scotch tariff cut to bring little cheer for Indians after UK trade deal
Cutting Scotch whisky import tariffs to 75% under the India-UK trade deal may offer limited benefit to Indian consumers due to India's complex tax regime. State levies, excise duties, and fees still keep prices high, reducing the impact of tariff cuts to under 10%. Despite growing demand and Scotch being India's top import by volume, local single malts are gaining ground. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads At first glance, halving import tariffs on Scotch to 75% under the India-UK trade deal should bring the biggest cheer to India's whisky lovers. But there is little to celebrate once you look closely at India's complex tax the world's most populous nation, each of the 28 states and eight federally-controlled territories regulate alcohol independently and impose heavy local taxes that contribute richly to the means the price consumers pay for their drink in India includes state excise tax, handling charges, a social welfare fee, and distribution and retailer margins, and once they are taken into account the industry estimates final prices of imported Scotch will come down by less than 10%, four liquor industry executives said. Some fear states may even increase taxes, cancelling out the reduction from the trade executive at a foreign company said the tariff cut "won't be a gamechanger." Another said the share of customs duty as a percentage of the total product price was less than 25% in most states. Both declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak to the Malpani, consumer and retail industry leader at consultants Grant Thornton Bharat, said the import duty made up only about 10% to 20% of the retail price on average across India, with the rest from local levies and other costs."The deal is likely to enhance premiumisation and brand variety rather than trigger an immediate spike in demand," he said.A breakdown provided on the website of the government of southern Kerala state shows the high taxation regime: a bottle of Pernod's Chivas Regal blended Scotch aged for 18 years costs 6,288 rupees ($72) with import tariffs, but local taxes and levies take the price to 13,560 rupees ($156).Similarly, Johnnie Walker Blue Label costs 30,570 rupees ($352) in Kerala. In California, after discounts, that brand costs around $180, according to shopping website the high taxes, Euromonitor estimates India's spirits market was worth $37 billion last year, lagging only China and the United States, and it remains an attractive market - Diageo, which produces Johnnie Walker, and Pernod Ricard together had India revenues of almost $6 billion last is Scotch whisky 's largest export market by volume, with the equivalent of more than 192 million bottles exported to the country in 2024, and the volume growing by more than 200% in the past decade, according to the Scotch Whisky doing business in the whisky-loving country is challenging. As well as the layers of taxation, companies must contend with a web of regulation, which requires they seek approval for bottle labels and prices each year. In 2022, Pernod's then South Asia CEO told Reuters in an interview that India was "probably the most complex market" in the world for the the complexity, local producers have also stepped up. Made-in-India single malts are offering stiff competition to the established international brands as Indians develop a taste for bespoke cocktails and more sophisticated Indians "are all going for Indian single malts rather than Scotch," said Rajesh Chopra, director general of Indian Malt Whisky Association, adding lower tariffs could spur collaboration among Indian and UK whisky makers.
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Tryson Quek from Side Door crowned World Class Singapore 2025 champion
After months of fierce competition, Singapore has crowned its new World Class Bartender of the Year. At last night's finale held at Baia, Tryson Quek, the affable chef-turned-bartender and owner of Side Door, emerged as the winner of one of the country's most prestigious cocktail competitions. He beat out a strong field of finalists: Marco Maiorano (КОМА), Zana Möhlmann (Manhattan), Kelvin Saquilayan (Republic Bar), Ooi Foo Giap (Last Word), and Sam Pang (Night Hawk), who each brought their own distinct style and skill to the competition. This year's final unfolded in two parts, designed to push the boundaries of innovation, speed and bartending finesse. First up was the Drink to the Future challenge, which asked contestants to imagine what the world of cocktails might look like in the decades to come. Their creations had to incorporate either Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Don Julio 1942, or Zacapa XO, and make use of technology. What we saw was a forward-looking display of imagination: plants turned into music to suggest a future where we might converse with our food, magnetic stirrers and ultrasonic infusers aimed at improving bar efficiency, and thoughtful ingredients like hydroponically grown tomatoes and carbon-capturing seaweed that point towards a more sustainable approach to drinking. Next came The Showdown, a speed challenge that tested both composure and technical skill. Finalists had five minutes to shake, stir and present five elevated classic cocktails: a highball with Johnnie Walker Blue Label, a Paloma with Don Julio 1942, an Old Fashioned with Zacapa XO, a Manhattan using Singleton 15 Year Old, and a Martini with Tanqueray No. Ten. They were free to interpret the drinks, as long as the core of each cocktail remained intact. It was a tight, high-energy round where each finalist had to work with precision and pace while demonstrating showmanship and brand knowledge. The judging panel comprised Ervin Trykowski, Diageo's global brand ambassador for New Age Whisky; Pedison Kao, Taiwan's World Class Bartender of the Year and global third-place winner; Adam Bursik, director of beverage at Shangri-La Singapore; and Nicole-Marie Ng, Time Out's regional content director for APAC. Together, we assessed a strong showing of ingenuity, technical precision and excellent drinks. In the end, it was Tryson's blend of bold flavours, charming confidence and relentless creativity that earned him the top spot. While he hasn't been behind the bar for long, he used his background as a chef to his advantage. His win also marks a full-circle moment for Singapore's cocktail scene. The last time World Class was held in Singapore was in 2019, when Bannie Kang, Tryson's wife, took home both the national and global titles. Now, five years on, she passes the baton to her husband to represent Singapore at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto this September.
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
A Day of Prestige: Johnnie Walker Blue Polo Unites Icons of Fashion, Whisky & Polo in Johannesburg
Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Image: Supplied Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Image: Supplied Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with signature Johnnie Walker Blue Label cocktails. Image: Supplied The highly anticipated return of the Johnnie Walker Blue Polo on Sunday, June 8th, transformed the heart of Sandton into a dazzling celebration of rare craftsmanship, bold fashion, and timeless sophistication. Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with signature Johnnie Walker Blue Label cocktails, setting an elevated tone for what would become an immersive journey into the world of Blue Label, one defined by excellence, elegance, and experiential richness. 'On behalf of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, we are honoured to welcome our guests to an afternoon where legacy meets contemporary luxury, this event is a celebration of excellence, a convergence of whisky, fashion, and sport, curated to honour the rare craft of Blue Label and the cultural icons who continue to inspire and shape the future,' said Mpimy Mashimbye, Senior Brand Manager Reserve Scotch (South, West & Central Africa). The event was graced by some of South Africa's most influential figures, a reflection of the brand's deep connection to those driving local culture forward. Among the high-profile guests was fashion designer Mmuso Maxwell, who collaborated with Johnnie Walker Blue Label to dress the brand's official Blue influencers, offering a stunning display of contemporary African design. Also showcasing their creative flair was BamCollective, known for their bold, avant-garde fashion perspective. Bringing further star power to the afternoon were Sarah Langa, Natasha Joubert, Siya Bunny, and former Bafana Bafana footballer Teko Modise, the official Johnnie Walker Blue influencers who embodied the brand's prestige and style with effortless charisma. The event featured a curated line-up of immersive experiences that allowed guests to explore the depth of Johnnie Walker Blue Label through every sense: The event was graced by some of South Africa's most influential figures, a reflection of the brand's deep connection to those driving local culture forward. Image: Supplied A polo-inspired fashion showcase staged in elegant stables, where equestrian heritage met high fashion. staged in elegant stables, where equestrian heritage met high fashion. The Blue Label Discovery Lounge , where guests were guided through a personalised whisky tasting journey featuring ambient visuals, immersive soundscapes, and rare storytelling. , where guests were guided through a personalised whisky tasting journey featuring ambient visuals, immersive soundscapes, and rare storytelling. A bespoke Personalisation Station , offering engraved miniature Blue Label bottles — a lasting memento of an exceptional day. , offering engraved miniature Blue Label bottles — a lasting memento of an exceptional day. Styled content zones throughout the venue, from horse-led photo moments to high-design backdrops, provided picture-perfect opportunities to capture the elegance of the day. throughout the venue, from horse-led photo moments to high-design backdrops, provided picture-perfect opportunities to capture the elegance of the day. More than just a polo match, the Johnnie Walker Blue Polo was a celebration of legacy, culture, and aspiration. Every element from fashion and sport to whisky and design came together to reflect the Blue Label ethos Set against the glittering skyline of Africa's richest square mile, the event brought together polo enthusiasts, whisky lovers, celebrities, and cultural tastemakers for an unforgettable afternoon that blended sport, style, and storytelling, all under the banner of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Image: Supplied
Associated Press
10-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
JOHNNIE WALKER BRINGS BACK ITS 99-YEAR-OLD TRADITION WITH THE ‘BLUE-IN-ONE' CHALLENGE
Johnnie Walker rewards hole-in-one achievers this spring by awarding a limited edition Blue Label Sunday Golf Bag in partnership with Devereux Golf NEW YORK, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1926, Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky launched a 'hole-in-one' challenge, rewarding golfers who achieved the ultimate shot with a bottle of Scotch. Just as Johnnie Walker Blue Label is crafted from only 1 in 10,000 casks, a hole-in-one is a rare feat, with odds of 12,500 to 1. In anticipation of golf's most iconic tournament, the brand is reviving the tradition with their 'Blue-in-One' Challenge—a celebration of golf's most extraordinary moment. Golfers who sink an ace will be rewarded with an exclusive Johnnie Walker Blue Label-Inspired Sunday Golf Bag, customized with their name, the date and the course of their hole-in-one. 'At Johnnie Walker, we are proud of our century-long connection to the world of golf, and as the sport evolves, we remain committed to playing an active role in shaping its future - pushing, as we have done since the beginning, for progress,' says Jesse Damashek, Senior Vice President of Whiskey Portfolio, Diageo North America. 'With a growing focus on accessibility, fueled by new digital formats and energy-shifting tournaments, golf is becoming dynamic and widely embraced. Like our whisky, the return of the 'Blue-in-One' Challenge balances tradition with progress, celebrating one of the game's oldest and rarest achievements while inspiring a new wave of players to take part in energizing the sport.' Crafted in collaboration with Devereux Golf, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label-Inspired Sunday Golf Bag is a bold fusion of luxury, innovation, and craftsmanship. Designed for the next generation of golfers, it features deep Blue Label hues, refined gold accents, and premium materials - making it as stylish as it is functional. More than just a golf bag, it's a tribute to those who, like Johnnie Walker, keep swinging and Keep Walking forward. Now through May 31st, 2025, golfers aged 21 and older who score a hole-in-one on a Par 3 or digital course and submit proof of their achievement by going to will receive one of these golf bags. 'Designing the Johnnie Walker Blue Label-Inspired Sunday Golf Bag was about merging sophistication with functionality, infused with our brands' shared spirit to make the sport more accessible and fun,' says Bert Brunner, Devereux Golf Co-Founder. 'We wanted to create something that not only honors the tradition of the game but also stands out with bold style and modern craftsmanship that Johnnie Walker Blue Label is celebrated for around the world.' Johnnie Walker is bringing the energy of golf's most prestigious tournament to an even bigger audience. Fans are invited to hit the course for a shot at becoming a 'Blue-in-One' achiever and join the celebration at the Johnnie Walker Augusta Watch Party in New York City tomorrow, Friday, April 11th. Attendees can expect great food, signature Johnnie Walker cocktails, games and epic giveaways—a perfect blend of modern golf culture and whisky craftsmanship. For over a century, Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky has been woven into the fabric of golf, cementing itself as the go-to Scotch for celebrations big and small. The iconic brand is keeping the tradition alive while ushering in a new era—making golf more accessible, vibrant, and straight-up fun through bold collaborations, epic events, and game-changing partnerships. With the brand's standout collaborations with Devereux Golf, a trendsetting golf brand that blends style, tradition, and inclusivity, Johnnie Walker and Devereux have introduced bold capsule collections designed to turn heads. Shop the Johnnie Walker x Devereux Golf collections at Be sure to follow @JohnnieWalkerUS on Instagram and Facebook, and visit to learn more and find out where the Johnnie Walker Golf Clubhouse will show up next. And whether on or off the course, please enjoy Johnnie Walker responsibly. ABOUT JOHNNIE WALKER: Johnnie Walker is the world's number one Scotch Whisky brand, enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavor and quality above else. Six generations of skilled Master Blenders have pioneered and crafted bold new flavors that have transformed a small Scottish grocery store business, founded in 1820, into an international whisky business selling stylish, authentic, and iconic blends. Today's range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years and Blue Label. Together they account for nearly 19 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2019), making Johnnie Walker the most popular Scotch Whisky brand in the world. ABOUT DIAGEO Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about DIAGEO, our people, our brands, and performance, visit Visit DIAGEO's global responsible drinking resource, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow us on Instagram for news and information about DIAGEO North America: @Diageo_NA. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere. ABOUT DEVEREUX GOLF Devereux is a cultural golf brand founded in 2013 by brothers, Robert and Will Brunner, whose aim is to bring a fresh take to the stale world of golf. At Devereux, we love the game, respect the sport, and honor the traditions, but we welcome the next generation of golfers who are breaking stigmas and outdated standards. As golf culture evolves, and younger more diverse players engage in the game, Devereux is committed to offering apparel and accessories that cater to them- both from a style perspective and price point. Devereux's apparel represents the ever-welcomed melding of streetwear and golf; a combination that inspired the brand to move away from the country club scene and embrace the freedom to create quality clothing and accessories for the kind of golf we like; the kind where you untuck your shirt, wear your hat backwards and leave your belt at home. Follow along with the movement by visiting or follow @DevereuxGolf on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
