McDowells No 1 retail sales over Rs 20,000 crore in 2012-13: United Spirits

United Spirits brand McDowells No1 has achieved retail sales worth $3.8 billion (over Rs 20,000 crore) in 2012-13, the liquor maker said in a statement on Thursday.

"McDowell's No1, created a historic landmark today clocking retail sales worth $3.8 billion for nearly half a billion 750 ML bottles of its whisky, rum and brandy franchise, sold in the year 2012-13, " it said.

"Half a billion standard (750 ml each) bottles of McDowell's No 1 portfolio, of which the whisky forms the most significant part, is an endorsement of our early recognition of the prestige and premium opportunity in India," UB Group chairman Vijay Mallya said.

He added that McDowell's No 1 Whisky has created an equally iconic landmark in global markets, clocking nearly half a million cases of sales in a single year in Nigeria.

"Going forward, with the emerging markets initiative, I am confident that this portfolio will continue to be a front runner in creating shareholder value through consistently delighting consumers through path breaking innovation and market activation," Mr Mallya said.

Commenting on the development, Ashok Capoor, president and managing director of USL, said the success has been driven by USL's "premiumisation" strategy and innovation - introduction of premium brands under the McDowell's No1 banner.

"The brand has created new benchmarks be it by way of contribution to USL's top-line and bottom-line, retail value or, growth vis a vis industry performance," Mr Capoor added.