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Khemani Group – Big player from India

The Khemani Group, a family business in which three generations work together, is one of the leading companies in India, with more than 30 years’ experience in the distilling and brewery industry. In two distilleries, with a total daily capacity of 65,000 litres of neutral alcohol, grain-based spirits are produced to international standards, and international brand- name products are bottled.

The company was founded under the title ‘Royal Distillery’ in the picturesque surroundings of the former Portuguese colony, Daman, on the Arabian Sea. The aim was to combine the Portuguese and British flavours and traditions in the production of alcoholic drinks. Based on this, they developed their own classic line of excellent products and solid business practices which led to remarkable growth. The original distillery has since been constantly expanding and is now state-of-the-art, always with an eye on international and global quality requirements.

Despite of taking a global leap, the Khemanie Group strives to uphold their committment to quality, which effort has won them international recognition. Having successfully scaled up in capacity, the state-of-the-art distilleries group now proudly offers a wide range of products and packaging sizes, ranging from 50ml sachets to 2,000 ml glass and PET bottles.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Thomas Crown Whisky, and silver for Royal Circle Whisky.

Fleret Fruit – Fruitiness from the Czech orchard

Fleret is a recognised manufacturer of a broad range of fruit distillates such as damson schnapps, Williams pear schnapps, pear schnapps, apricot schnapps or cherry liqueur. More than 500,000 bottles a year are produced in Frenštát pod Radhoštem in North Moravia. The product range includes over 40 different products with an alcohol content between 30 and 50% vol. On the international market, the company established itself with the premium line, which also brought them awards at the renowned World Spirits Competition in San Francisco and International Spirits Challenge in Great Britain. In 2013, the company started with a range of redesigned distillates, with the aim of improving awareness of the products on the market.

Tradition Mexico – Tequila without compromises

The friends behind Padre azul, the new tequila in the premium segment, stand united on one matter: their passion for Mexico. “We appreciate high quality tequila, and with Padre azul we are bringing an exclusive product to Europe. We searched for the perfect distillery for a long time. At Tres Mujeres in Jalisco in the highlands of Mexico we found what we were looking for.” 100% Mexico – 100% handcraft – 100% agave.

These requirements and quality criteria apply to the whole production process, which is why each bottle also wears the sought-after quality seal from the Mexican authorities, “Consejo Regulador del Tequila” (CRT). There were no compromises when it came to the design of the bottles: they are made by hand and adorned with a 270g skull which represents the skull culture of Mexico.

Padre azul is available in three grades of maturity, depending on the length of storage. The Añejo usually spends eighteen months in French oak barrels to achieve a mature, full-bodied taste. The Reposado needs at least eight months in barrels for its subtle vanilla tone. The Blanco is a clear tequila which is bottled straight after distillation – it is soft and mild in taste. None of the three need salt or lemon – you can enjoy them neat. True to the motto: no compromises.

At the World Spirits Award, the trio was very successful: there was double gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul anejo, gold for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul reposado, and silver for Super Premium Tequila Padre azul blanco.

Edward Snell – Whisky from South Africa

Edward Snell founded a trading company in Durban in 1848, from which the oldest spirit company in South Africa developed over 160 years. Following an eventful history, the company is now once again in the hands of the family. Besides their own brands they also sell numerous local and international drink brands, mostly in various markets in Africa and the Middle East.

The wide range of products includes whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, tequila and cognac. One outstanding label is Firstwatch Whisky with its new look, a striking, square bottle design. Consumer demand for a whisky with an American taste profile has been perfected over time and is presented today as a balanced blend of the finest imported rye and grain. Whether pure, on the rocks or mixed – its diversity makes it popular with many different target groups and successful in one of the largest spirit segments in South Africa.

At the World Spirits Award, there was gold for Firstwatch Whisky.