Latest news with #premiumization
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Tequilas- According To The 2025 International Wine And Spirits Competition
The Gold Outstanding medal winners in the tequila category from the 2025 IWSC. Tequila is currently experiencing an unprecedented boom. Its growth in popularity and premiumization is undeniable, moving far beyond its traditional image to become a highly respected spirit. So much so that in 2023, it passed whiskey to become the second most popular spirit by volume; only vodka is bigger in the United States, its biggest market. That has led to a surge of excellent tequilas hitting the market, not just in the U.S. but also around the globe, as drinkers discover Mexico's favorite sip. If you are new to tequila or a longtime fan, finding a great bottle has never been easier, but how can you lay your hand on something truly special? Look no further than the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Globally recognized as one of the most important global spirits competitions, the IWSC has been uncovering gems for over 50 years. Its rigorous blind judging by industry experts has established its medals as a definitive benchmark of quality. Earning an IWSC accolade signifies true excellence and provides a critical endorsement in the competitive beverage market. Significantly, seven extraordinary tequilas just earned a Gold Outstanding Medal by earning 98 or more points out of 100 from the IWSC, placing them as the finalists for its prestigious 2025 Tequila Trophy. This recognition places them among the elite in the category, highlighting their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Any one of these finalists represents the pinnacle of tequila production and would be a worthy addition to any tequila lover's bar. Here is a brief recap of each with the judge's tasting notes. For three generations, the family behind Tequila Cascahuín has been distilling tequila in the municipality of El Arenal in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico. Their award-winning Blanco is a masterclass in pure agave expression. Its distinction lies in its unwavering dedication to ancestral methods, particularly masonry oven cooking, which unlocks profound flavor. The result is a vibrant, clean spirit dominated by authentic cooked agave, underpinned by a compelling minerality and bright citrus notes. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Delicate agave aromas intertwine with a whisper of citrus. The palate builds in intensity, with fresh pepper and flickers of cooked agave. The finish - of green vegetal notes and a touch of spice - offers great length. While Tanteo is widely celebrated for its innovative, spicy infusions, the excellence of its core Blanco should not be overlooked. This 100% blue Weber agave spirit serves as the meticulous foundation for all their expressions, which are crafted through traditional slow roasting in brick ovens and careful small-batch distillation. The Blanco's inherent quality confirms that even the base of an adventurous spirit must be impeccably crafted. Here is what the judges had to say about it: A vibrant aroma profile featuring agave, white pepper, leather, and fresh grass. The palate bursts with rich, agave-forward flavours, revealing curious floral nuances of geranium and sweet spices. The finish of citrus and herbs is both warm and lasting. From the accomplished Productos Finos de Agave Distillery, Campo Azul 1940 Reposado offers a beautifully balanced journey into aged tequila. The "1940" isn't merely a number; it suggests a spirit imbued with classic character; it is the year the brand's founder, Don Ricardo Lopez, was born. This reposado is crafted by cooking mature agaves in clay ovens for 30 hours, allowing for direct contact with steam, followed by an additional 24 hours of slow cooking to release complex flavors and aromas. It is then aged in American white oak barrels for six months. The resulting liquid is remarkably approachable. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Aromas of delicate agave and hints of herbs provide an inviting nose. The palate features vibrant agave notes with sweet and nutty marzipan. Spice and florals are layered throughout. The finish is long, with additional notes of olive and capsicum Sierra Blanco holds a unique and powerful position on the global stage, particularly as a dominant force in European markets. Its special appeal lies not in overt complexity but in its unwavering consistency and broad appeal, serving as a significant gateway for countless consumers entering the world of tequila. While not designed for extended sipping, its clean, straightforward profile of sweet agave and crisp citrus makes it an incredibly reliable and effective spirit for mixing. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Fragrant notes of smoky barbecue meat mingle with intriguing blue cheese and ripe pineapple. The lively palate reveals earthy notes reminiscent of Jerusalem artichokes, brightened by herbal sweetness and a spicy, peppery finish. Delightful rusticity. Pancho Datos, from Casa Marengo, is a tequila with a truly heartwarming backstory. Founded by Luis Carlos Grijalva to honor his poetic grandfather Ricardo Grijalva de Leon, who wrote poems about his experiences in the Mexican Revolution, this reposado infuses every drop with a sense of personal legacy. Made using traditional methods in El Arenal, this tequila is crafted from 7-year-old agave that's roasted in masonry ovens and distilled twice. It's then aged for ten months in ex-bourbon American white oak barrels. That yields a beautifully smooth and inviting sipping tequila. Here is what the judges had to say about it: The nose is a captivating blend of herbal and grassy tones, accompanied by pickled gherkin and spicy pepperoni. On the complex palate, vibrant fruit emerges, supported by a robust herbaceous backbone, while subtle wood adds depth to the outstanding finish. Lagrimas Tequila represents a fascinating exploration of terroir in tequila. Created by Altamar Brands and produced in collaboration with the esteemed Rosales family of Cascahuín, each of their releases is a "Single Ranch" tequila. That means each unique bottling uses ingredients from a single agave ranch to highlight the complexities that different regions can impart on a single tequila style. Their award winning La Loma is the fourth field harvested for the brand and the first from the state of Michocan. It rested for just three months and was a small limited release bottling. Here is what the judges had to say about it: The alluring aroma reveals delicate notes of cooked agave balanced delightfully by a grassy and zesty character. On the palate, herbaceous flickers of curry leaves and dried oregano emerge, complemented by gentle wood undertones and an outstanding finish. Ocho Añejo is nothing short of revolutionary, consistently redefining expectations for premium tequila. Co-created by the legendary Carlos Camarena and the late Tomas Estes, it pioneered the "Single Estate, Vintage" concept. This means each expression hails from agave harvested from a specific, named field, showcasing the unique nuances of that particular terroir and harvest year. Every bottle provides the details of the entire process, making Ocho tequila ideal for vertical tastings. Their Añjeo has been aged for over a year, and it's a collectible masterpiece. Here is what the judges had to say about it: Enchanting touches of orange leaves, sweet grass, spice, and pepper, evocative of an antique Chesterfield. The pure, silky palate unfolds with fresh grass and gentle vanilla, balanced beautifully by lively peppery spice and sweetness. A long, fine cigar finish. Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Glenrothes' New Release Is Delicious, Affordable And A Surprise Move
The Glenrothes The 15 is a more-accessible new release that bucks market trends towards premiumization. Courtesy: Glenrothes After a relatively prosperous era of expansion, the Scotch whisky category is showing signs of strain. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, export volumes dropped nearly 9.5% in 2023, even though total sales remained roughly the same. Similar trends have been reported in the U.S., with the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) reporting a 17.4% drop in volume from 2019 to 2024. That same report shows that the only growth category by revenue has been 'super premium,' For a long time, a go-to strategy has been a tilt toward even more high-end offerings: premiumization. Higher age statements, boutique packaging, and collector-geared bottlings became the norm. Just last month, Tamdhu released a 43-year-old expression priced at $16,000 and Johnnie Walker launched the first releases from its much-hyped Johnnie Walker Vault. But in 2025, economic caution is setting in and consumer spend is flattening. RBC analysts focusing on Diageo (which owns Johnnie Walker, Talisker and Lagavulin, among others) said late last year that they 'estimate that the proportion of sales from high-end reserve brands fell from 29% in 2023 to 27% in 2024.' That's on top on-and-off tariffs threatening massive price swings and availability issues for consumers. Amid all that uncertainty, there's an opening for contrarian moves. That's the market context surrounding the release of The Glenrothes The 15, a new permanent addition to the Speyside distillery's portfolio. Now available across the U.S, The 15 comes in with an age statement below their flagship 18 and 25-year-old expressions (not to mention their very, very premium 42-year-old option). Moving to a lower age statement seems like a broad against premiumization—though it's not entirely so simple. First off, at $100 SRP, this Single Malt certainly hasn't entered the 'value' category. With 100% first-fill European oak sherry casks, upscale packaging, and a complex flavor profile, The 15 is designed to hit a balancing point: accessible yet still prestige. Laura Rampling, The Glenrothes' Master Whisky Maker, describes the spirit in a statement as "a counterintuitive marriage of the delicate and the bold," bringing sweet fruit and bright spice into a bold but balanced profile. It finishes rich, silky, and spice-laced, an excellent example of the Speyside style and a very sessionable sipper in general. The Glenrothes, long considered a hidden gem in Speyside, has built a quiet legacy since 1879 with its slow distillation and emphasis on high-quality oak. The release of The 15 underscores its confidence in those fundamentals. Where some competitors are trimming SKUs or maintaining a slate of ultra-limited releases, The Glenrothes is reinforcing its house style while also onboarding a more affordable age statement. The Glenrothes The 15 marks a shift in the age-statements that the distillery offers. Courtesy: The Glenrothes In a tightening market, The Glenrothes The 15 isn't just a new bottle, it's a signal that brands can't count on premiumization forever. That's not to say that brands won't still release ultra-premium expressions. Instead, if The 15 shows signs of success, there could be an opening for brands with a willingness to carry their upscale products to a more accessible point in the market. It could also answer signal a new trend: premiumization that goes both ways.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TTK Prestige Ltd (BOM:517506) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Growth Amidst Margin ...
Total Sales Growth: 4% including exports. Domestic Sales Growth: 3%. EBITDA: INR 72.5 crores for the quarter, down from INR 100 crores in the previous year. Annual Revenue Growth: 1.2% with INR 2,400 crores in domestic sales. Annual EBITDA: INR 339 crores, down from INR 386 crores last year. Annual Margins: 13.4% overall margin, 10.7% operating margin. Number of Stores: 667 stores. New SKUs Introduced: 44 in the quarter, 191 during the year. Cash Position: Comfortable, despite CapEx, dividends, and buyback expenses. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with BOM:517506. Release Date: May 27, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. TTK Prestige Ltd (BOM:517506) reported a positive growth trajectory, with domestic sales growing by 3% and total sales, including exports, increasing by 4%. The company has introduced 191 new SKUs during the year, which has helped gain significant counter presence and growth in various channels. TTK Prestige Ltd (BOM:517506) is focusing on premiumization in urban markets and expanding into Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, leveraging e-commerce channels for aggressive demand generation. The Judge brand has been repositioned and is growing well, contributing to the company's growth strategy, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. The company is investing in capacity and capability building, including renewable energy and automation, to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities and leverage future demand. TTK Prestige Ltd (BOM:517506) faced pressures on raw material pricing, which affected margins, with EBITDA declining to INR72.5 crores from INR100 crores in the previous year. The company is incurring significant soft operational expenses, which are expected to continue for the next 8 to 10 quarters, potentially diluting EBITDA margins. The MFI channel has been subdued due to structural and policy changes, impacting sales in this segment. CSD channel sales have also been subdued due to internal operational rationalizations, affecting overall growth. The company anticipates a period of diluted margins due to ongoing investments, with a focus on long-term growth rather than immediate profitability improvements. Q: With the growth in traditional channels and the impact on MFI channels, can we expect TTK Prestige's growth to move towards double digits in the next quarter? A: Venkatesh Vijayaraghavan, CEO, stated that while they don't provide specific guidance, the growth is expected to be positive as they are seeing positive trends quarter-on-quarter. Q: Can you explain the consultancy expenses and their impact on EBITDA? A: Saranyan R, CFO, explained that the one-off expenses for long-term growth impacted EBITDA by about 2% during the quarter. These expenses are expected to continue for the next 8 to 10 quarters as part of a planned INR 200 crore investment over three years. Q: What is driving the positive growth in the industry and for TTK Prestige? A: Venkatesh Vijayaraghavan, CEO, noted that all categories are seeing a revival, with appliances growing faster than kitchenware. Growth is driven by premiumization, especially in southern markets, and channels like quick commerce and e-commerce. Q: What is the strategy for the Judge brand, and how is it being repositioned? A: Venkatesh Vijayaraghavan, CEO, explained that the Judge brand targets a different audience than Prestige, focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns. The brand has been repositioned with a clear product portfolio and distribution strategy, showing good growth in cookware and cookers. Q: Can you provide details on the planned INR 300 crore CapEx over the next two years? A: Venkatesh Vijayaraghavan, CEO, stated that the CapEx will focus on core categories, including expanding capacities in aluminum and stainless steel tri-ply, as well as appliances. Investments will also be made in automation and renewable energy. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
