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Nivedita Bhalla In house curator (WSCI) Wine & Spirits Club of India Whisking away Pervez Bapuna right after he stepped off the panel discussion felt like catching a man in motion – a perfect metaphor for what he has been doing with the Bapuna Group. As someone who has effortlessly shifted from law to business, Pervez has spent the last 15 years steering the company into a new era. The Bapuna name, which has long been a quiet yet formidable presence in manufacturing and B2B operations, has now taken a deliberate and calculated leap into consumer consciousness. The Bapuna Group’s journey began over five decades ago when the late Dinshaw Bapuna laid its foundation in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Starting with trading activities, the family gradually ventured into the alcohol industry, initially focusing on trading and later moving to manufacturing. In the early 1980s, the group expanded beyond Nagpur and established its first distillery in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, marking a turning point in their manufacturing endeavors. Under the leadership of the second generation, the Bapuna Group diversified its portfolio further. A notable expansion came in 2002 when they acquired a partnering stake in Dinshaw’s Dairy Foods Private Limited, a Nagpur-based dairy  company established in 1932 by Dinshaw and Erachshaw Rana. This strategic move allowed the Bapuna Group to enter the dairy industry, supporting their vision of diversification and growth. For decades, the Bapuna Group has quietly built a formidable presence, excelling in mass production across industries like alcoholic beverages, dairy, consumer goods, and lifestyle. Well-respected within the trade, its name remained largely behind the scenes, synonymous with efficiency, scale, and a solid foundation. While this approach has served them well, business landscapes evolve, and so do strategic priorities. What’s different now? The Bapuna Group has undergone a rebranding wave that is hard to ignore. A unified identity further strengthens the group’s evolving presence. A new logo, refreshed brand language, and a more strategic public profile reflect Bapuna’s intention to build trust and recognition across B2B and B2C markets alike—not just through noise but through consistency and clarity. With alco-bev operations spanning six states – Goa, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan – Bapuna is no longer just a quiet giant. The plan is to expand into two or three more states in the next financial year, further consolidating its footprint and focusing on its long-term positioning.The company has traditionally excelled in mass-market spirits, where volume drives profitability. Their economy brands have performed exceptionally well, fueling the business’s core operations. But today, Bapuna is making a confident move into the premium segment, a space that demands patience, investment, and a strategic long game. The premium spirits market does not yield immediate profits; it takes time for a brand to carve out its place. Yet, the decision to enter this space signals a clear intention to be recognized not just for volume but for value. It’s fascinating to see a company that was once comfortably behind the scenes now embracing the public eye but on its terms. The rebranding is more of an evolution than a departure from its roots. It’s about taking control of the narrative rather than letting market assumptions define them. And if the early response is anything to go by, the 3rd-generation charm is working. Bapuna Group’s rebranding is more than just logos or marketing campaigns; it’s a structural shift in how they see themselves and want to be seen. And in today’s age of hypervisibility, they are proving that even a legacy brand can reinvent itself without losing its essence. Interview with Pervez Bapuna, COO of Bapuna Alcobrew With three generations in the business and maintaining a low profile, what inspired the decision-makers to focus on the public image of the group and invest in marketing, especially in the alco-bev sector? My grandfather, father, and uncles created our business from the ground up and laid a strong foundation for where we are today.As a part of 3rd generation we bring in our own perspective, and we’ve been fortunate to implement new ideas seamlessly. Over the past two years, we have rebranded the group with a new logo and renamed some entities to bring the Bapuna name to the forefront, creating a cohesive identity across our diverse sectors – alco-bev, consumer goods, lifestyle, and dairy. We realized that unless someone was from the industry, they had no idea we operated across so many sectors. The goal was to establish trust with both B2B and B2C clients. It became essential for us to step up our visibility. The Bartenders’ Week panel discussion was a first for me; I saw it as a strategic move in today’s market. While we still prefer to keep a low profile, in the age of social media, giving the group a face is necessary. Bapuna’s Alcobev Division has primarily focused on mass production and affordable spirits. What led to your recent foray into the premium alcohol category with multiple product launches? In the past, we have primarily been a B2B business with economy brands that have performed exceptionally well. The reality is that mass-market brands drive the bulk of revenue in the alco-bev industry, whereas premium brands require heavy investment and typically take one to two years before they start generating significant returns. That being said, we saw an opportunity to expand into the premium segment without moving away from what we do best – large-scale production. While I wouldn’t categorize our products as craft spirits, which are generally associated with low-volume production, there is no doubt that Bapuna Group has the capability for volume production. Our goal is to create national and international demand for our premium products while leveraging our expertise in scalability. Are you considering limited-edition batches for your premium range? Yes, we are exploring limited-edition releases, but these will be highly market-focused launches. We do have something in the works, but it will be a limited batch available in specific states. When the time is right, you’ll hear more from

As temperatures rise, the quest for a refreshing beverage becomes paramount. Lone Wolf has swiftly become a favorite among beer enthusiasts seeking quality and flavor. With its recent expansion into Rajasthan and an upcoming launch in Kerala, Lone Wolf is set to bring its crisp, invigorating brews to even more consumers, making it the go-to choice for beating the heat. More than just a beer, Lone Wolf embodies a lifestyle—one that embraces culture, creativity, and community building. The brand has consistently pushed boundaries, engaging in collaborations that celebrate our heritage and artistic expression. This saw the launch of “ALFAZ” by Lone Wolf at the Kathika Cultural Center, Old Delhi. This aims to showcase live performance, storytelling, tradition in a heritage backdrop to bring people together through culture, music, art and a shared love for exceptional beer.Echoing its successful partnership at Serendipity Arts Festival Goa & India Art Fair Delhi, Lone Wolf will continue to activate vibrant events and local engagements in Rajasthan and Kerala, further reinforcing its dedication to supporting culture and creativity. For those who want to take the Lone Wolf spirit beyond the pour, the brand offers an exclusive merchandise collection, featuring bold apparel and accessories that reflect individuality and fearless self-expression. Whether it’s a signature Alpha Mode T-shirt, Maverick Shade Cap, or Howl Sound Speaker, Lone Wolf’s merch allows everyone to carry the brand’s untamed energy wherever they go. This summer, Lone Wolf isn’t just a beer but your experiential partner, whether you’re unwinding with friends, exploring new adventures, or soaking in cultural moments, it’s the perfect companion. With every sip, embrace the wild, celebrate the bold, and make this season unforgettable.

I am Croatian and live in New Zealand. I arrived here in 2012, pursuing my dream to travel, meet people, and make wine around the world. I quickly fell in love with New Zealand – its wines, people, and landscapes. Coming from a winemaking family, I didn’t have to look far for inspiration to be part of something as wonderful as the world of wine. My parents, talented and passionate winemakers, were my greatest inspiration. Their love for crafting wine immersed me daily in something that sparked a deep passion within me, ultimately guiding me to the path I’m on today. I hold a master’s degree in winemaking from the Agriculture University in Zagreb, Croatia, and a Graduate Diploma in Oenology from EIT in Hawke’s Bay. These qualifications have given me a deep understanding of winemaking practices from different parts of the world, which I now draw upon in my craft. My parents began their winemaking journey in a garage, armed with nothing but a strong belief and deep faith that this was their calling. It was a challenging time, especially during the war in Croatia, but my family never gave up. We are all proud of what we achieved during those extremely difficult times, making wine in a war zone is no small feat. I treasure my family’s inspiration to pursue something so fascinating, challenging, and rewarding as winemaking.Due to some unfortunate circumstances, there was no business for me to continue in Croatia after completing my studies. Now, here I am on the other side of the world, committed to carrying on my family’s legacy and sharing our story. I founded Eva Pemper Wines with my business partner, who owns a vineyard in Marlborough. This partnership ensures access to our vineyards and a secure supply of high-quality grapes. It is an essential resource that allows us to produce exceptional wines year after year.