Unibev Limited, a spirits startup venture between former United Spirits chief Vijay Rekhi and bulk alcohol supplier Globus Spirits, is planning to make inroads into the premium whiskey market in Bengal with a focus on the vintage tag.

The company has introduced brands in the state such as Governor’s Reserve blended with up to 12-year-old scotch and Oakton whisky blended with up to 18-year- old scotch.

According to company officials, the estimated market size in the segment for Governor’s Reserve is around 3.5 lakh cases in the state and Oakton, 4.5 lakh cases. The company expects to attain around 4 per cent market share for Governor’s Reserve and 5 per cent for Oakton in a year’s time. A 750 ml bottle of Governor’s Reserve is priced at Rs 550 and Oakton, Rs 870.

Nationally, the company’s target segments, that constitutes brands from Diageo and Pernod Ricard, is growing 7-9 per cent. The estimated addressable market is around 30 million cases.

Unibev, which currently has identified 17 states to grow its operations, expects a market share of 10 per cent for its various brands.

It is also planning to raise Rs 100 crore to fund its expansion.

“Vintage IMFL will be the trailblazer for premium spirits category in India. Unibev has the first mover advantage with its vintage whiskeys and other spirits categories that it will soon enter,” said Kaushik Chatterjee, chief operating officer, east, Unibev.

Wider range

He said the company would expand its portfolio in the future to include rum, vodka and gin.

Unibev has entered into a contract with KR Beverages to meet the demand in the state. Chatterjee said that after Bengal, Unibev would expand its presence in Odisha, Assam and other north-eastern states.

“Modern consumers have a very clear understanding of the significance of age of spirit. We will use this to create a niche for our brands in the overcrowded Indian spirits market,” said executive director Vijay Rekhi.