Latest news with #Seagram
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Royal Stag BoomBox returns with powerful fusion track ‘SIGH'
Royal Stag BoomBox, the flagship music IP from Seagram's Royal Stag in collaboration with Universal Music Group (UMG), has returned with an exciting new edition of Royal Stag BoomBox Originals. Known for fusing the richness of melody with the dynamic energy of hip-hop, the platform has now launched its latest original track, SIGH, featuring the powerful duo of Nikhita Gandhi and Dino James. Following the success of tracks like Pehle Jaisi Baat Nahi, Hoodie, Mohabbat, and Imtihaan, the new season brings with it a bold sonic direction. SIGH delivers a vibrant mix of smooth vocals and sharp rap verses, capturing a mood of self-assurance and defiance. It celebrates the moment one stops explaining themselves and begins embracing who they truly are—with confidence and style. Sharing her excitement, singer Nikhita Gandhi said, 'Working on SIGH with Dino was truly thrilling. Royal Stag BoomBox lets artists break free and express themselves without boundaries. This track is bold, honest, and very close to my heart.' Rapper Dino James added, 'SIGH is a reflection of raw truth and creative freedom. Collaborating with Nikhita brought an emotional depth to the song. Platforms like BoomBox challenge us to expand our artistic horizons.' Kartik Mohindra, CMO of Pernod Ricard India, emphasized music's role in the brand's youth engagement strategy. 'Royal Stag BoomBox is a celebration of bold creativity. This season, we're blending Bollywood's melodies with hip-hop beats, redefining the soundscape for a new generation.' Preeti Nayyar, SVP at UMG for Brands, said, 'BoomBox stands for bold expression and genre-crossing creativity. It's a space where artists collaborate, experiment, and connect with youth culture.' Music remains a cornerstone of Royal Stag's identity, and with India's youth increasingly gravitating toward hybrid musical experiences, BoomBox continues to bridge tradition and trend. With SIGH now streaming across YouTube, social media, and major audio platforms, fans can expect more genre-defying tracks this season, including Sajna by Neeti Mohan, Panther & Ravator, and Maybe by Armaan Malik and Ikka. The sound of Generation Large is only just getting started.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why selling Imperial Blue makes sense for Pernod Ricard
Almost a quarter of a century ago, when Diageo and Pernod Ricard divvied up the Seagram drinks empire, most of the attention was focused on the destinies of the marquee brands: Captain Morgan and Crown Royal going to Diageo; Martell, Chivas Regal and The Glenlivet snaffled by Pernod. Few commentators gave much thought to a rather less high-profile part of the Seagram business: its operations in India. Seagram's sizeable investments in the sub-continent laid the foundations for Pernod Ricard to establish an enviable position in the market: more than 20 production units scattered across the country; a portfolio of high-volume IMFL or 'admix' whisky brands including Imperial Blue, Royal Stag and Blenders Pride, plus BII (bottled in India) Scotch in 100 Pipers – and, of course, BIO (bottled in origin) imports. But now, we hear via unconfirmed but detailed reports, Pernod Ricard is looking to offload Imperial Blue, which sits in what it terms the 'value' segment of the whisky market, with an equivalent price of about €7 ($8.27) a bottle. This is a brand that, according to reports, sold nearly 23m nine-litre cases in 2023 – admittedly down on its 2019 peak of over 26m cases, but still a pretty handy number. Neither Pernod Ricard nor the reported bidders for Imperial Blue – including Suntory, Tilaknagar Industries and Inbrew Beverages – will comment on the reports, but a conversation I had this week with Simon de Beauregard, chief transformation officer at Pernod Ricard India, sets the rumoured deal in the broader context of the market. For a start, there's de Beauregard's job title. I don't generally have much truck with 'blue sky thinking' monikers like chief transformation officer but in this case the choice of words is instructive. The high-potential Indian market – placed in sharp relief as growth becomes so elusive elsewhere – is transforming, and on multiple fronts. This is still a high-volume market – it's Pernod Ricard's biggest in those terms – but it has also become, over the past couple of fiscals, the company's second-largest in terms of net sales. That's reflected in the fact that, as you ascend the pricing ladder for whisky from Imperial Blue (value) through Royal Stag (deluxe) to Blenders Pride (premium), you can add two percentage points of extra growth for each step. In this context, it's no surprise that Pernod Ricard has moved to innovate with a number of higher-priced expressions in India, from Royal Stag Double Dark to Blenders Pride Four Elements – and, most interestingly of all, Longitude 77. Whereas the first two are essentially higher-priced spin-offs of what we might term 'legacy' brands, Longitude 77 is an Indian single malt, wearing its provenance on its sleeve, both in terms of the name – the line that runs through the heart of the nation – and its label, featuring the country's familiar outline. It's a product that – literally – puts Indian whisky on the map. This reflects a consumer shift that we've discussed previously: first of all, Indians may well – and do – aspire to buy and drink Western brands. After all, the market is already the second-largest destination for Jameson and The Glenlivet, even before the latter is boosted by the impact of the recently announced free trade agreement between India and the UK. But people are also increasingly demanding homegrown products that can match imports in terms of quality, packaging, branding – and price. Longitude 77 – a no-age statement whisky – is priced close to The Glenlivet 12 Year Old in India. A decade ago, the mere idea of that pricing strategy would have been laughable but no longer. As de Beauregard says: 'I think we went from 'imported is cool' to 'local can be very cool as well'.' Nor is this merely a whisky story. Indian consumers – especially the urban, middle-class, young-LDA adults that Western brands are so keen to court – are becoming much more exploratory and experimental. De Beauregard believes this has its roots in what he calls 'qualitative changes in the perception of alcohol'. What does this mean? A product that was somehow still 'taboo' to many – largely consumed out of the home and by men – has become more permissible, breaking through barriers of age and gender, boosted further by an increasingly sophisticated on-trade and retail sector. De Beauregard sees this in Pernod Ricard's own consumer research. Where most people would previously have participated in maybe one-and-a-half categories – mainly whisky, but occasionally brandy, beer or rum – now they might be trying gin, single malt or agave spirits. And all of these – including agave – now have their domestic equivalents. The transformation of India is also reflected in Pernod Ricard's recent investments in the market – most notably, the construction of what is billed as Asia's largest malt distillery and maturation facility in Nagpur – a plant that, when complete, will have a production capacity of 13m litres of pure alcohol a year, and which is part of a ten-year investment programme in Maharashtra worth a total of Rs17.85bn ($208.7m). Pernod Ricard isn't alone in both ramping up and diversifying its investments in India and fine-tuning its strategy there. Hence Diageo's move to wholly acquire Goa-based distiller Näo Spirits in June and hence the same company's decision in 2022 to sell off a slew of low-margin local brands to Inbrew, including White Mischief, Old Tavern and Romanov. For all its opportunities and potential – and again we've said this before – India remains a complicated and at times frustrating country in which to do business. Pernod Ricard's own, ongoing difficulties with the authorities in Delhi are testament to that. Commenting more generally on trading conditions in the country, de Beauregard says: 'I was in the US before – but I think India is more complex than the US.' India is also moving fast, so much so that – assuming that the reports are accurate and the deal goes ahead – Pernod Ricard's sale of Imperial Blue, which would have been unthinkable only a few years back, begins to look eminently justifiable, bearing in mind current and likely future market conditions. Yes, well over 20m cases is a lot of volume to lose but Imperial Blue – in its positioning, its price and even its name, with those echoes of empire – could soon be seen as something of a relic of India's past, rather than a harbinger of this fascinating market's increasingly diverse and exciting future. "Why selling Imperial Blue makes sense for Pernod Ricard" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
India Today
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Longitude 77 Takes Center Stage at Cannes: A Symphony of Indian Art, Fashion, and Spirit
At the illustrious Cannes Film Festival 2025, Seagram's Longitude 77 Collector's Edition made its grand debut at the India Pavilion, epitomising a harmonious blend of Indian artistry and global luxury. This exclusive unveiling featured packaging designed by the renowned artist Paresh Maity, drawing inspiration from India's 77 East longitude line, symbolising the nation's rich cultural tapestry stretching from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari . The event was further accentuated by the presence of art curator and style icon Shalini Passi, who graced the red carpet in a bespoke Manish Malhotra's fashion piece , embodying the essence of Indian heritage and contemporary fashion. Shalini Passi's red carpet appearance was nothing short of a visual spectacle. Adorned in a custom-designed Manish Malhotra gown, the ensemble was a living canvas, representing the essence of India with Paresh's visualization of India's Longitude The gown featured a tapered corset and a stunning mermaid silhouette, with vivid landscapes and scenic imagery cascading down the fabric, representing India's diverse terrains. Complementing her attire, Passi accessorized with Manish Malhotra's jewelry, a classic Judith Leiber clutch, and was styled by Nupur Mehta, encapsulating a perfect blend of tradition and the artwork, Paresh Maity has depicted the beautiful snow-capped Himalayas, the unique Dal Lake with the Shikaras, followed by Punjab's phulkari works and Haryana's traditional drums along with Madhya Pradesh's majestic tigers. After that comes Karnataka's architecture, which includes the wonders of Hampi and the Mysore Palace, and it goes further down to Tamil Nadu's iconic sculpture of the Mahabalipuram elephant. There are also coconut trees that stand for Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with the painting ultimately merging into the Indian Ocean with a boat and a blue sea. "I wanted to capture the deepest emotions of God's creations, architecture, art, craftsmanship, aesthetics, and the diverse beauty and culture of our country. "With that inspiration in mind, Shalini customised her outfit, asking Manish Malhotra to make it," says Paresh Maity. Beyond the red carpet, Shalini actively engaged in promoting Indian art and culture on the global stage. She participated in the panel discussion around 'India's Finest to the World: Through Art', curated by Longitude 77 and moderated by film critic Anupama Chopra. This platform highlighted India's rich artistic heritage and its influence on contemporary global art forms. Passi's involvement underscored her commitment to elevating Indian craftsmanship and narratives to international unveiling of Seagram's Longitude 77 Collector's Edition at Cannes was more than a product launch; it was a celebration of India's artistic legacy and its seamless integration into global luxury narratives. At the India Pavilion, tribute was paid in a true sense to our country's journey, from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari. Through the collaborative efforts of Paresh Maity's evocative art, Manish Malhotra's couture craftsmanship, and Shalini Passi's visionary representation, the event marked a significant milestone in showcasing India's cultural prowess on an international platform. This initiative not only honoured India's rich traditions but also set a precedent for future endeavours in cultural diplomacy and artistic collaborations. Disclaimer: The material and information contained are for advertorial purposes only. India Today holds no responsibility for the content written on the website as a basis for making any business, legal, or any other decision. Any reliance placed on such material is at your own risk. advertisement
Business Upturn
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
Longitude 77 Collector's Edition Debuts at Cannes, in an Exceptional Packaging Paying Homage to It's Indian Heritage, Designed by Paresh Maity
India: Seagram's Longitude 77 named after the line of longitude that passes through the length of India from North to South at 77° East, pays homage to the country's diversity, historical craftsmanship and breathtaking landscape. Crafted in small batches, it encapsulates the essence of India's diverse terroir and indigenous ingredients. Longitude 77 Collector's Edition was unveiled at the official India Pavilion in an exclusive event where the centerpiece of this unveiling was the exceptional packaging designed by one of India's most celebrated artists, Paresh Maity. Each pack showcased Mr. Maity's artistic interpretation of India's Longitude 77 – from North to South. Its grand debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival embodies its vision of taking the finest of India to the world, celebrating India's artistic prowess, unparalleled craftsmanship and exceptional whisky-making tradition. 'This collaboration is about capturing India's soul through art and craftsmanship, ' said Mr. Paresh Maity. 'Longitude 77, The meridian that inspired this creation symbolizes the finest of what India has to offer the world, blending tradition with modernity.' Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer, Pernod Ricard India, said, 'Longitude 77 Collector's Edition embodies our commitment to elevating Indian craftsmanship to global standards while celebrating the richness of our cultural heritage. Its debut at Cannes is more than the unveiling of an exquisite spirit—it is a tribute to India's rich identity, captured with creativity, and timeless elegance.' The grand unveiling brought together some of India's most influential voices in luxury, art and cinema. Renowned film critic and author Anupama Chopra hosted an exclusive dinner for Bollywood's elite—an evening that became one of the most talked about moments at Cannes. In a stunning visual moment, art patron and style icon Shalini Passi walked the red carpet in a statement fashion piece, designed by Manish Malhotra, inspired by Maity's art representing India's Longitude 77. 'As someone deeply committed to elevating Indian art on the global stage, I'm thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking collaboration that showcases India's finest creative vision and craftsmanship to the world. Representing the essence of India, Paresh's visualization of India's Longitude 77 on this dress, designed by Manish Malhotra, combines my three passions – India, art and fashion,' said Shalini Passi. Designer Manish Malhotra said, 'This collaboration with Longitude 77 represents the pinnacle of Indian luxury and creativity. Translating Paresh's visual narrative into wearable art was an inspiring challenge, creating a moment where fashion and art converged to showcase Indian excellence.' With a limited release of only 650 cases—this rare release is both a collector's treasure and a connoisseur's delight. Following its successful Cannes debut, Longitude 77 Collector's Edition will be available in limited quantities across Haryana and Maharashtra. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RFR Kicks off 2025 with Successful Refinancing and Leasing Transactions
NEW YORK, March 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RFR has announced the completion of several successful transactions across key trophy assets including recapitalizations at the Seagram building on Park Avenue, 475 Fifth in the Bryant Park submarket and 17 State Street in the Financial District as well as a full building retail lease at 11 Bond in NoHo. "The new year heralded a series of successful transactions that showcase the quality of our assets, and our expertise in hands-on management, strategic leasing and reinvestment to increase value," said Aby Rosen. "We are steadfast in our deep commitment to our portfolio and look forward to new achievements and opportunities as the market continues to strengthen." Seagram: RFR finalized a $1.2 billion commercial mortgage backed security that would help refinance debt tied to the Seagram Building, a 38-story tower on Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. In one of the largest successful recapitalizations of the year, Seagram secured a $1.2 billion commercial mortgage. Proceeds from the CMBS will be used to repay debt that RFR had taken out against the property, including a mezzanine loan from JVP Management. 17 State Street: RFR secured a 3-year loan extension to refinance 17 State, a 42-story trophy office tower in Lower Manhattan owned by RFR for 25 years. 17 State is a true skyline icon with its unmistakeable curvilinear façade. The property boasts permanently protected views of New York Harbor and beyond from the second to 42nd floors. 475 Fifth: RFR recapitalized 475 Fifth Avenue, a trophy office building facing New York's Bryant Park, with an equity recapitalization and a refinancing of the in-place loan with a new $160 million, 3-year mortgage from Citibank, JPMorgan, and Rithm Capital. One of only five Fifth Avenue assets with direct Bryant Park exposure, 475 Fifth Avenue is an architecturally significant pre-war building situated in a prominent corner location with six activated outdoor terraces overlooking Bryant Park, a newly renovated statement lobby designed by Swanke Hayden Connell, a curated public art program, and a detailed façade restored to its original turn-of-the-century elegance. 11 Bond: RFR signed a full-building lease with UK-based fitness apparel and accessories giant Gymshark at 11 Bond St. The direct-to-consumer (DTC) retailer of high-end workout gear will take 15,000 square feet on the corner of Bond Street and Lafayette Street in the heart of Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood for its first Americas brick and mortar retail location. The four-story landmarked space, with 100 feet of frontage on Bond Street, will serve as a Gymshark's flagship U.S. outpost. About RFR RFR is a fully integrated real estate investment firm based in New York City with a core focus on select urban markets in the United States and Germany. Founded by Aby Rosen and Michael Fuchs in the early 1990's, the firm has been an active force in the New York City and German real estate market for much of the past three decades. RFR's portfolio has grown to include more than 100 commercial, residential, hotel, and retail properties located in select domestic and international markets. View source version on Contacts Great Ink Communications, Ltd. – 212-741-2977Roxanne Donovan (roxanne@ Waters ( Williams (sara@
