MAM
American Bourbons use innovation to drive growth
NEW DELHI: Flavoured whiskeys are internationally the fastest growing segment in the bourbon industry and the trend is soon catching up in India.
The growing affluence, international travel and increased brand awareness amongst Indian consumers and the increasing base of the legal drinking age (LDA) population in India, the industry is seeing regular shifts in consumer preferences. The curiosity and aspirational value of a scotch whisky is still relevant to younger consumers.
According to Nielson research, in 2012 flavoured whiskey accounted for nearly 75 per cent of growth among all whiskeys and 42 per cent of growth in bourbon.
In a major departure from its decades old marketing principles of remaining strictly tradition-bound and consistent in taste, bourbon brands are now experimenting with tastes to expand their market and customer base.
Jim Beam, from the house of world’s fourth largest liquor company Beam Global, for instance, has added new products that include a white whiskey called Jacob‘s Ghost, Devil’s Cut and Jim Beam Honey. The company believes that the move will expand both its presence on the shelves as well as increase its consumer base.
Jim Beam is no exception. World over major whiskey brands are increasingly shedding their past conditioning about sacrosanct blends and trying sweetening and flavoring their whiskies. And no wonder, the experimentation with taste is begetting them success.
In fact, Canada too has got into the act and most of its contributors are informed, predictably by maple syrup. Distillers around the world are sugaring and flavouring whiskeys. Red Stag, the cherry-flavoured bourbon released by Jim Beam in 2009 was a huge success and set the trail blazing.
A closer look into the factor that has encouraged these ‘cult’ brands to shun their inhibitions and emerge as ‘innovative’ and ‘out of the box brands’ shows that the customer and his aspirations have evolved.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
