19 new imported liquor brands to hit Tasmac premium shops in June

CHENNAI: Nineteen new globally popular liquor brands will hit Tasmac elite shops as the state-owned marketing corporation is expanding its footprint in the city, adding seven more premium shops in June. This will take the number of Imported Foreign Liquor (IFL) and overseas beer varieties in elite shops to nearly 200.
Tasmac sources told TOI that noted brands of single malt and scotch whisky, rum, vodka and brandy would be launched in June. “These imported alcoholic beverages would be available in elite shops along with the existing brands,” a senior Tasmac official said. The list of upcoming brands includes The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky 18 years of age, Royal Salute 21 Years old Blended Scotch Whisky, Tiffon Cognac and U'Luvka Vodka.

Presently, elite shops have 178 brands of liquor sourced from abroad, including 70 IFL, 75 wine and 33 beer varieties. The stateowned corporation sources imported liquor from authorised agencies of international distilleries and breweries for India. The elite shops also sell exclusive variants of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer manufactured in other states. According to sources, imported liquor and IMFL in elite shops are stocked in the ratio of 40%:60%, wherein imported liquor falls under the 40% bracket.
However, consumers said leading imported brands disappear from the elite shops soon after introduction. Vetriselvan of Chennai said newly imported brands stay only during the initial launch period.
“For instance, Corona beer is never available at the Tasmac elite shop in Nungambakkam. It was available only once three years ago and there is no trace of it at the shop anymore,” he said. He emphasised that elite shops should increase their range of brands matching Puducherry and Bengaluru since a section of tipplers travel to these places to explore specific brands that are not available in Tamil Nadu.
But, Tasmac sources said the brands are being made available based on demand in respective shops.
Tasmac runs 65 elite shops across the state, of which 21 are located in and around Chennai. During the last fiscal year of 2018-19, elite shops in the state recorded a revenue of ₹418 crore. “Nine more shops will be added in the coming months, with Chennai and its peripheries having seven. Majority will be in malls and shopping complexes,” the official added.