NEPAL’S POPULAR WINES TO HIT MARKET IN JAPAN

HAVING enjoyed a firm foothold in the domestic market, the manufacturer of ‘Dada Ghare Wine’ has started exporting various alcoholic products to Japan. The brand has been one of the best-selling items in the local market for the last five years of its establishment. Jhalak Thapa, proprietor of Hill Hot Winery Company, said they agreed with Tokyo-based Neo Net Corporation two weeks ago for exporting their products on regular basis. Neo Net is the company run by a group of Nepalis residing in Japan in association with their Japanese partners. Thapa said they had already exported some cartoons of wine twice in the last two months in Japan. “Based on the market’s positive response to the products, we have reached an agreement with the Neo Net,” he added. According to him, they were even planning to sell their products in South Korea and Spain. ‘Dada Ghare Wine’ is prepared out of herbs found in the wild. Aagan, Majheri, Pindhi and Aaty are other popular products under the brand which are being exported to Japan. According to Thapa, an estimated 5,000 Nepali restaurants are currently in operation in Japan, out of which 700 are located in Tokyo alone. While the company can produce 1,000 litres of wine daily, it is currently producing 600 litres. Thapa said the company was planning to add more infrastructure and manpower to keep up with the growing demand for their products. The company manufactures wine out of herbs, honey and fruits like grape and apple. A bottle of Aaty is priced at Rs 685, Majheri at Rs 525, and Aangan and Pidhi each retails for Rs 385. Established with total investment of Rs 22.5 million, the company has been providing jobs to 22 people. As per the international standard, the beverage containing alcohol below 15.5 percent volume is not recognised in alcoholic drink. According to Thapa, their products contain 12.5 percent alcohol. Meanwhile, the company is launching a new wine ‘Tagaro’ in the market soon. The new product, prepared from combination of spices, herbs and honey, is expected to contain 22 percent alcohol. “We are planning to introduce ‘Tagaro’ by Dashain.”