MAM
McDowell’s No. 1 launches special limited edition cricket pack
MUMBAI: Cashing in on World Cup cricket mania, McDowell & Co has announced the launch of the Special Edition Cricket World Cup pack for its flagship brand McDowell’s No.1 Whisky.
Presenting a collector’s item for cricket lovers, McDowell & Co., which claims to be India’s largest spirits manufacturing and marketing company, has announced that the pack is designed to commemorate the cricket World Cup, billed as the mega show which happens once in four years.
The unique cricket World Cup of McDowell’s No.1 has the classic gold look emblazoned with flags of all the 14 participating nations. A calendar of tournament fixtures printed on the pack will help cricket buffs stay tuned in to the World Cup throughout – from February 8 to March 23.
Speaking about the initiative, UB group spirits divisional vice president (marketing) Alok Gupta says: “Just as the appeal of cricket cuts across all consumer groups, mega-brand McDowell’s No.1 too has a wide appeal transcending all segments. In order to give our consumers something to commemorate their favourite sporting carnival, we have introduced the Limited Edition Cricket World Cup Pack.”
“We also regularly delight our consumers with special packs during their favourite festivals like Holi, Diwali and New Year. In the last year we’ve taken this a step further by introducing special packs even for regional festivals like Baisakhi in Punjab, Carnival in Goa, and the Pujas in Bengal. Such initiatives go a long way in cementing the bond this mega brand shares with its consumers,” he adds.
A release says that McDowell’s No.1 Whisky, the flagship brand of McDowell & Co, is a perfect blend of the finest imported scotch and Indian malt whiskies. The brand has reigned supreme in the Indian whisky market for over a decade and is today the eight largest selling whisky in the world.
The release adds that McDowell’s No.1 Whisky is a millionaire brand and sells close to close to 4 million cases a year in the Indian market. Despite stiff competition, McDowell No.1 Whisky has remained the leader with a market share of over 40 per cent.
Brands
Reliance Consumer Products partners with Fazer for premium chocolates in India
MoU signed during Finnish President’s visit to leverage RCPL’s distribution for Fazer brands.
MUMBAI: Reliance just added Finnish chocolate to its sweet spot because when the land of saunas meets the land of spices, the result is a premium bar that melts borders. Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Finnish food company Fazer to manufacture, market and distribute Fazer’s premium branded chocolates across India. The agreement was formalised during Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s state visit to India on 7 March 2026.
The long-term strategic partnership combines Fazer’s heritage recipes, quality standards and global chocolate expertise with RCPL’s massive distribution network reaching nearly three million retail outlets nationwide. The collaboration aims to introduce Fazer’s well-known premium products to Indian consumers while strengthening business ties between the two nations.
Reliance Consumer Products Limited director T. Krishnakumar said, “By combining Fazer’s globally trusted brands and manufacturing excellence with RCPL’s local production capabilities, robust distribution network and deep consumer insights, we are well positioned to bring world-class products to Indian consumers and elevate the overall category experience.”
Fazer president and CEO Christoph Vitzthum added, “With RCPL handling commercialisation and distribution in India, we can establish a premium position in the chocolate market and create a foundation for a broader nationwide rollout.”
Since its launch in 2022, RCPL has steadily expanded in the confectionery segment by reviving legacy Indian brands such as Ravalgaon, Toffeeman, Pan Pasand and Lotus Chocolate Company. Fazer, a major player in the Nordics, Baltics, Poland and China with exports to over 40 countries, sees India’s fast-growing chocolate market as a key opportunity.
In a country where chocolate is no longer just a treat but a growing daily indulgence, this tie-up isn’t just about bars, it’s about blending Nordic precision with Indian scale to sweeten the next chapter of the confectionery story.
