Harish Moolchandani in Calcutta on Tuesday. A Telegraph picture

Calcutta, Oct. 6: Beam Global Spirits & Wines will launch its Maker’s Mark Bourbon whisky in India in early 2010.

The company, which owns popular whisky brands such as Jim Beam, DYC, Ardmore, Laphroaig and Teacher’s, has already started test-marketing Maker’s Mark in India.

“There is a market for Maker’s Mark in India as the premium whisky segment is growing at a good rate here. We see a very good prospect for brands such as Maker’s Mark here,” Harish Moolchandani, CEO & managing director (India & Indian sub continent), told The Telegraph today.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon was designed by Margie Samuels — wife of Maker’s Mark creator Bill Samuels Sr. — and the square-shaped container was inspired by her collection of cognac bottles.

Moolchandani said the company was also exploring possibilities to expand its Tequila portfolio in India. At present, Beam markets only the Sauza brand of Tequila in India.

“We are planning to launch other variants in the Tequila segment during 2010 in India,” Moolchandani said.

Beam Global — which launched several brands such as Jim Beam, DYC, Ardmore and Laphroaig in the last three years in India — plans to consolidate its Indian portfolio in 2009-10.

“The company will focus on increasing the market presence of each of the brands,” Moolchandani said.

“Despite the downturn, the company has maintained its growth trajectory in the country; However, the momentum has reduced. Earlier, we achieved 20 to 25 per cent growth and this year it would be reduced to 13 to 14 per cent.”

Meanwhile, the company has launched the Teacher’s Origin in India. “The launch of Teacher’s Origin strengthens the Teacher’s Scotch whisky portfolio in India, which forms the core of Beam Global’s market share in India,” he said. Moolchandani said Beam Global expected its revenue to touch Rs 600 crore in the current year in India from Rs 450 crore last year. The Teacher’s brand accounts for over 80 per cent of the company’s sales in India.