BRL Hardy has appointed Samant Soma Wines Ltd (SSWL) has been appointed as the sole importers of its wines in India. SSWL is the third largest wine producer in India, under the label Sula Vineyards.


The company also produced the first Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc wines in India.


SSWL also imports and distributes wines from leading producers from various countries through its nationwide sales network. Other brands represented by the company in India are Taylors Port, Santa Rita (Chile), Marques de Caceres (Rioja), Trimbach (Alsace) and Two Oceans (SA – Distell).


The Indian wine market is estimated to be growing at an annual rate of 20-25%. Though imports are negligible at present, the company said it foresees a boom in wine imports after April 1 2003, when import duties are expected to come down significantly from their current high levels of over 200%.