SANJEEV GIRI
KATHMANDU, SEP 30Apart from their cultural and religious significance, Dashain and Tihar are also those occasions when most Nepalis prefer to experiment with different beverage brands. While whiskies are dominant products in all seasons and on all occasions, beers and wines have also grown bigger in terms of customer size and market share over the years.
According to local distilleries and breweries, sales normally increase up to 30 percent during festivals. The beer market currently stands at six million cartons per year which translates into 6,000,000 bottles per month. With the festive push, almost all the brands are expecting a big hike in sales and are busy readying their production lines and supply chains to cater to increased market demand. Gorkha Brewery leads the pack of beer brands with highest-selling products like Tuborg, San Miguel, Carlsberg and Gorkha Beer.
For those looking forward to a change in taste, Nepali wines can be worth a try. There are several popular local brands in the market like Hinwa, Grapple, Nettlange and Himali Ramble. According to Ram Thapa, proprietor of Shankata Wine Store and authorized dealer of almost all local wines, the market share of Nepali wines is around 10 percent. "Five years ago, the market penetration of Nepali wines was negligible but things have changed for the better now," said Thapa. "Those who have tried the local brands have discovered a liking for them."
Hinwa, one of the most popular Nepali wines is manufactured by Makalu Wine Industries at Sankhuwasabha. The manufacturing of Hinwa started in 1995 with the production of around 90 cases and at present its production has increased to 700 cases every month for Kathmandu itself. Made from wild fruits like Aaishelu, Chutro and Keshari this wine costs Rs 325 per 750 ml bottle. Grapple is another popular wine available in the local market. Made with black grapes imported from India and apples from Mustang the wine is priced at Rs 355 for a 750 ml bottle. Manufactured by Sakaro Beverages, Grapple is also available in a 4-litre jumbo pack. The jumbo pack is priced at Rs 1,850. Sakaro has one more brand under its belt. It has the popular brand Nettlange in the market.
Nettlange is also one of the most loved wine brands in the local market made from nettles (sishno) and oranges. "The sale of Nettlange is growing constantly as people are getting health conscious and wanting to sample Nettlange as it is made from nettles which are considered to be one of the healthiest foods," said Thapa. He added that the wine hit the market with 50 cases of wines a year ago. Now, at least 135 to 140 cases of it are sold every month in the capital itself. A 750 ml Nettlange wine bottle costs Rs 455. The price of the 4-litre jumbo Nettlange wine pack costs Rs 1,850. And for the extra health conscious people there's a totally chemical free Himali Ramble wine. Manufactured by Shree Ram Laxmi Distillery at Marpha, the wine is prepared by the local people themselves using domestic technology. The wine is available in the local market since 2000.
"For health conscious people, the wine has become ambrosia," said Thapa, the authorized distributor of Himali Ramble also. According to Chandra Thakali, proprietor of Shree Ram Laxmi Distillery, the company has provided full time employment opportunity to five people and part time employment opportunity to more than 15 people.
According to local distilleries and breweries, sales normally increase up to 30 percent during festivals. The beer market currently stands at six million cartons per year which translates into 6,000,000 bottles per month. With the festive push, almost all the brands are expecting a big hike in sales and are busy readying their production lines and supply chains to cater to increased market demand. Gorkha Brewery leads the pack of beer brands with highest-selling products like Tuborg, San Miguel, Carlsberg and Gorkha Beer.
For those looking forward to a change in taste, Nepali wines can be worth a try. There are several popular local brands in the market like Hinwa, Grapple, Nettlange and Himali Ramble. According to Ram Thapa, proprietor of Shankata Wine Store and authorized dealer of almost all local wines, the market share of Nepali wines is around 10 percent. "Five years ago, the market penetration of Nepali wines was negligible but things have changed for the better now," said Thapa. "Those who have tried the local brands have discovered a liking for them."
Hinwa, one of the most popular Nepali wines is manufactured by Makalu Wine Industries at Sankhuwasabha. The manufacturing of Hinwa started in 1995 with the production of around 90 cases and at present its production has increased to 700 cases every month for Kathmandu itself. Made from wild fruits like Aaishelu, Chutro and Keshari this wine costs Rs 325 per 750 ml bottle. Grapple is another popular wine available in the local market. Made with black grapes imported from India and apples from Mustang the wine is priced at Rs 355 for a 750 ml bottle. Manufactured by Sakaro Beverages, Grapple is also available in a 4-litre jumbo pack. The jumbo pack is priced at Rs 1,850. Sakaro has one more brand under its belt. It has the popular brand Nettlange in the market.
Nettlange is also one of the most loved wine brands in the local market made from nettles (sishno) and oranges. "The sale of Nettlange is growing constantly as people are getting health conscious and wanting to sample Nettlange as it is made from nettles which are considered to be one of the healthiest foods," said Thapa. He added that the wine hit the market with 50 cases of wines a year ago. Now, at least 135 to 140 cases of it are sold every month in the capital itself. A 750 ml Nettlange wine bottle costs Rs 455. The price of the 4-litre jumbo Nettlange wine pack costs Rs 1,850. And for the extra health conscious people there's a totally chemical free Himali Ramble wine. Manufactured by Shree Ram Laxmi Distillery at Marpha, the wine is prepared by the local people themselves using domestic technology. The wine is available in the local market since 2000.
"For health conscious people, the wine has become ambrosia," said Thapa, the authorized distributor of Himali Ramble also. According to Chandra Thakali, proprietor of Shree Ram Laxmi Distillery, the company has provided full time employment opportunity to five people and part time employment opportunity to more than 15 people.
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