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Showing posts from May, 2025

Sameer Mahandru on India’s Opportunity in Shifting Trade Trends

Global markets are still under pressure as uncertainty continues and supply chains are being quickly restructured. Although the current tariff war, known as the Liberation Day dispute, is on a 90-day pause, tensions remain high. Many experts believe that if India acts wisely and positions itself well, it has a great opportunity to benefit from this global shake-up. For quite some time, many companies have realized the need to diversify their supply chains. Instead of depending only on China, they have started adopting the "China+1" strategy—setting up operations in other countries as well. The recent tariff conflict between the US and China has only made this shift more urgent. The US is hinting at increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to create a fairer trade environment. Sameer Mahandru , a prominent figure in India’s AlcoBev (alcoholic beverages) industry, believes that India is perfectly placed to take advantage of this situation. According to him, if India makes smart deci...

Partho Dasgupta: Sustainability Is the Future of Business

Sustainability in business means including ethical and responsible practices in how a company runs, makes decisions, and plans its future,” says Partho Dasgupta , former CEO of BARC India and now Managing Partner at Thoth Advisors. He explains that it’s about thinking beyond short-term profits and considering how a company’s actions impact the environment, society, and the economy. The goal is long-term growth that’s good for everyone. “Today’s millennials and Gen-Z care more about where their products come from,” he adds. “They want to support brands that are environmentally friendly, treat people well, and don’t harm animals. They expect the companies they buy from to follow these values. Businesses that adapt to this mindset will see a boost in their popularity and profits. Read More

Indri 11YO Founder’s Reserve: Rare Indian Whisky Launched

Award-Winning Indian Single Malt Whisky: Indri Launches New Limited Edition. Indri is already known for its award-winning single malt whiskies, and now there’s a new addition to the lineup. Piccadily Agro Industries has released a special limited-edition bottle: Indri Founder’s Reserve 11-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky. This exclusive whisky is a tribute to Kidar Nath Sharma, the founder of the Piccadily Group. With only a small number of bottles available, this 11-year-old whisky is crafted with great care and quality. The company describes it as a "rare gem" and "a legacy in a bottle"—perfect for collectors and whisky lovers alike. Read More

Raj Kundra: More Than Just a Famous Name

Raj Kundra is often known as the husband of Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, but there’s much more to his story. A successful entrepreneur long before he entered the limelight, Kundra built a business empire spanning diamonds, real estate, sports, and tech. Born in London to Indian immigrant parents, he began with the pashmina trade and later launched ventures like the Super Fight League, diving into the worlds of entertainment and digital innovation. Despite facing media controversies, Raj Kundra chose resilience over reaction, focusing on personal growth, family, and new ventures. His marriage to Shilpa Shetty symbolizes a powerful partnership, blending business and Bollywood in a unique way. Raj Kundra’s journey reminds us that setbacks don’t define a person—comebacks do. Visit Us

Partho Dasgupta: Past CEO of BARC India

Partho Dasgupta is known for his sharp understanding of consumer behavior, technology, and media trends. He was the first CEO of BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council), a joint effort by broadcasters, advertising agencies, and advertisers to create a new way to measure TV audiences in India. As BARC’s first CEO, Partho Dasgupta started the company from scratch. He introduced a unique funding model with support from banks and managed a board with many different stakeholders. He also worked closely with the government and regulators. Under his leadership, BARC built one of the world’s most advanced audience measurement systems using cutting-edge technology like machine-to-machine communication, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). The panel grew rapidly, covering over 3,000 towns and villages, making it the largest audience measurement panel in the world. Today, BARC not only measures TV audiences but also provides insights into news, sports, music, pre...

Geetika Mahandru on the Rise of Bonga Bonga Liqueur

Founded in 2007, IndoBevs isn’t just another alcohol company. It’s a bold and rebellious brand that’s been changing the game and challenging industry norms. Known for its creativity and unique style, IndoBevs stands out by offering exciting, unforgettable drinking experiences with a fun twist. At the heart of this energetic brand is Geetika Mahandru , the President of IndoBevs. She’s passionate about bringing fresh ideas and world-class drinks to the party scene. With a wide range of popular brands like BroCode, Big Bro, Bro Red, Brosé, along with premium whiskeys, gins, and brandies, IndoBevs has become a major name in the AlcoBev industry. Read More

Siddhartha Sharma Indri: Indian Alco-Bev Market Rapidly Evolving

Siddhartha Sharma , Promoter of Piccadily Agro Industries, says that India’s alcohol and beverage (alco-bev) industry is now one of the most exciting and fast-growing markets in the world. This growth is being driven by higher disposable incomes, changing consumer tastes, and a rising demand for premium-quality drinks. “We’re seeing a big shift,” he explains. “Indian consumers are now more interested in high-end craft spirits, especially products like single malts and aged rum. This change has opened up a great opportunity for Indian producers—not just in India, but also globally.” To take things further, Piccadily Agro is setting up its first international distillery in Portavadie, Scotland. Sharma says this move will take India’s alco-bev industry to a new level. The site will also include a world-class visitor centre where people can learn about the art of making Scotch whisky. “This project is part of our long-term goal to become a global alco-bev company,” Sharma adds. “It also sh...

Siddharth Sharma Blends Whiskey, Creativity, and Values

Big changes are happening at Piccadily Distilleries. “We’re trying new things – exploring new markets and new ways of working,” says Founder Siddharth Sharma in an interview with The CEO Magazine. “We have a team that’s open to learning, and sometimes, they even teach us. It’s all part of the learning journey.” “Every time we visit a new place or meet someone new, we learn something useful. We take those ideas and apply them in our work. In this industry, creativity is a part of everyday life. We find inspiration in every trip and every person we meet.” Before 2008, Piccadily mainly focused on producing alcohol. But things changed when the Chairman at the time came up with the idea to move into premium products. That decision helped the company gain global recognition. Read More

Piccadily Debuts ‘Cashmir’: A High-End Vodka Born from India’s Heritage Organic Wheat

Piccadily Agro Industries Limited, the makers of award-winning drinks like Indri (India’s most awarded triple cask single malt) and Camikara (the only Indian rum to win a gold medal internationally), has now launched a new premium vodka called Cashmir. Cashmir is a small-batch luxury vodka made from traditional, organic Indian winter wheat and pure water from the Kashmir Valley. It’s created as a tribute to the natural beauty and charm of Kashmir. With this launch, Piccadily adds another high-quality product to its premium collection—this time, a vodka that’s both carefully made and deeply inspired by its roots. The vodka uses only the finest organic wheat—non-GMO, non-hybrid, and full of natural goodness. What makes Cashmir truly special is the pure water from Kashmir. Known for its clarity, mineral content, and glacial source, this water adds a clean and fresh taste to the vodka. Cashmir is distilled seven times to ensure a smooth, clean, and velvety taste that’s easy on the palate. ...

Partho Dasgupta on the Cord-Cutting Trend: How Cable TV is Losing Ground

Most of us remember planning our day around our favorite TV shows. Cable TV used to be our main source of entertainment and news. Kids watched cartoons, elders watched the news, and families across India came together to watch shows like Ramayan on Sunday mornings—it was a shared experience! But things have changed. Today, people watch shows whenever they want, thanks to streaming services. You can pause a show, take a break, and resume it later with just a click. Watching anything, anytime, and anywhere is what today’s viewers prefer. Mr. Partho Dasgupta shares his thoughts on what the cable TV industry needs to do to keep up with these changes. For a while now, it’s been clear that fiber optics and DTH (Direct-to-Home) services are strong competitors to traditional cable TV in India. One major reason is the many rules and regulations that make it harder for cable companies to grow. On top of that, OTT (Over-the-Top) streaming platforms have added even more pressure, offering viewers...

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra Share a Sweet Video for Son Viaan’s 13th Birthday

On her son Viaan’s birthday, Shilpa Shetty shared a special video montage on social media along with an emotional message for him. Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra welcomed their son Viaan in May 2012. Shilpa often shares glimpses of her family life on social media. Recently, she posted a sweet video showing Viaan’s journey from childhood to becoming a teenager. This touching montage was shared on the occasion of Viaan’s 13th birthday. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ4qwoCtr4v/ Shilpa created a collage of several photos and posted it with a heartfelt caption: "Today is a big milestone… you are officially a teenager now, my son. This is the time to explore and discover your passions. Stay curious, work hard, and don’t forget to have fun. Mumma and Papa are so proud of you, my jaan. Happy 13th birthday, Viaan-Raj. Always stay happy and healthy." Read More

Sameer Mahandru Breaks Down the Indian Travel Retail Economy

There has been a big rise in both domestic and international tourism in India. In 2023, India welcomed 9.52 million foreign tourists — a strong comeback after the pandemic and a 47.9% increase compared to 2022. India’s large network of 126 active airports (11 international and 89 domestic) and a wide railway system gives a strong base for growing the travel retail sector. Sameer Mahandru explains, “Tourism campaigns, better air and rail connectivity, and low-cost airlines have made travel easier and more affordable for many people. As more people travel, the demand for shopping and retail at airports and stations has also gone up.” The Indian government has also played a big role in supporting the travel retail economy. With helpful policies and investments — like the UDAN scheme for modernising airports — the sector has received a strong boost. Read More

Sameer Mahandru Explores India's Opportunities Amid Global Trade Shifts

Sameer Mahandru , a leader in the AlcoBev (alcoholic beverages) industry, shares his thoughts on the ongoing tariff wars. He believes that India is in a great position to benefit from this global situation—but only if it acts wisely and positions itself well. Right now, global trade is going through a tough time. There are rising tensions, big increases in tariffs (taxes on imports), and a lot of uncertainty. The United States has set a basic 10% tariff on almost all imports. However, for some countries, these tariffs are much higher—as much as 145% on goods from China. Other major economies like India, Japan, and countries in the European Union are also facing steep tariff rates. Read More

Raj Kundra's Net Worth: A Look at His Sea-Facing Bungalow, Luxury Cars, and More

Raj Kundra lives in a beautiful sea-facing bungalow in Mumbai with his wife Shilpa Shetty and their children, Viaan and Samisha. Their home is filled with modern comforts, including a well-equipped gym. He also owns a luxury villa in London and several expensive duplex apartments. According to reports, Raj Kundra even bought a home on the 19th floor of the famous Burj Khalifa. Raj and Shilpa are known for their lavish lifestyle and are often seen driving stylish SUVs from their impressive collection of luxury cars. Read More

Sameer Mahandru Explains: How US Alcohol Tariff Cuts Could Impact India’s AlcoBev Sector

The recent news about new tariffs on the alcohol and beverage (AlcoBev) industry in India has surprised and worried many industry leaders. India’s AlcoBev market was on track to grow to $64 billion by 2030. This growth is being driven by increasing demand in smaller cities (Tier 2 and Tier 3), people spending more money, and a shift toward premium products. Everything seemed to be going well, but the new tariffs have raised concerns about the future. Sameer Mahandru , a well-known figure in the AlcoBev industry, shared his thoughts on these recent changes and what they could mean for the sector. The tariffs were announced by US President Donald Trump as part of a larger plan to fix trade imbalances. These new taxes affect many countries, including India, and could have a big impact on the global alcohol and beverage market. Read More

Sameer Mahandru Explores India’s Alco-Bev Sector: Triumphs, Trials, and What Lies Ahead

T he Indian alcohol and beverage (AlcoBev) industry is at an important turning point. On one side, the demand for premium spirits and craft drinks is growing quickly. On the other side, rising input costs are putting pressure on companies in the industry. Today’s consumers want drinks that are unique and high-quality. In response, brands are shifting their focus. Instead of promoting heavy drinking, they are now offering drinks that focus on flavor, craftsmanship, and a better overall experience. Sameer Mahandru , a well-known leader in the AlcoBev space, shares his thoughts to help us better understand both the opportunities and challenges in this industry. Experts believe that India’s AlcoBev market will grow significantly. It is expected to reach around $200 billion by 2025 and could grow to $300 billion by 2035, with an annual growth rate of 7.2%. Read More

Who is Sameer Mahandru? Biography, Education, Net Worth, and More

Sameer Mahandru is an Indian businessman and the Managing Director of IndoBevs, a well-known company in the alcoholic beverage industry. Under his leadership, IndoBevs has become a strong player in making, selling, and distributing alcoholic drinks. He focuses on using new technologies and digital tools to improve how the company works. Based in Delhi, Sameer Mahandru has played an important role in growing India’s liquor business. With his guidance, IndoBevs has modernized its operations and expanded its reach. By using digital systems like SAP S/4 HANA Rise, the company has made its supply chain more efficient and increased its market presence. Sameer studied at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore), one of the top business schools in India. His education has helped shape his strong business and leadership skills. Read More