Indian whisky maker ABD enters Russian market - paper

MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD), the producer of the world's third most popular whisky, The Officer's Choice, is entering the Russian market, national daily Kommersant said on Tuesday, citing Alcohol Siberian Group (ASG), the exclusive distributor of the Indian company's two brands.

ABD is seeking to take over market share left open by the departure of some western brands. The company, whose brands did not have a presence in Russia before, began shipping in February under a contract that is valid until October 2025. The exact amount of sales was not agreed.

The Officer's Choice Blue, made from Scotch malt spirits and Indian grain distillates, will be priced at 1,000-1,200 rubles per 0.75-liter bottle. While Sterling Reserve, made from Scotch distillates, will sell for 1,100 rubles to 1,500 rubles per bottle.

ABD declined to comment.

ASG said the partnership with ABD was fostered by the changes of 2022, when leading international whisky makers suspended shipments to Russia and prices for remaining imported brands rose considerably. As a result, 25% of the market for whisky in the price range of 900-1,200 ruble per bottle opened up, ASG estimated.

The company previously began distributing whisky and rum from India's ADS Distilleries, and plans to sell more than 2 million bottles of liquor from all Indian brands this year.