After having launched the ‘Royal Oak’ whisky in Goa on Wednesday, April 26, Viiking Ventures Chairman Sachiin Joshi is all set to explore the possibility of high-tech agricultural activity in Goa.
For Joshi, who is the Chairman of Viiking Ventures, marked by its presence in various verticals including hospitality and liquor to name just a few, Goa figures high on his priority list. “Viiking Ventures is exploring every opportunity in Goa. After the launch of Royal Oak whisky, I am also exploring the possibility of entering the agriculture vertical in Goa,” Joshi said in a chat with THE GOAN.
What that actually means is integrating agriculture with technology to maximise output. “New technology needs to come in the agriculture sector,” he told THE GOAN.
With a group having its presence on many business verticals, Joshi claims the recent Supreme Court order regarding the ban on liquor outlets within 500 metres of highways, later relaxed by 220 metres, has hit the liquor business. However, Joshi exuded confidence that the government would “do something” to help tide over this crisis facing the liquor industry.
Meanwhile at the launch of his company’s new whisky, ‘Royal Oak’, Joshi turned a tad emotional, as he recalled his association with Goa. “I love Goa the most in the entire world. Not just because of its beaches and the environment. But this place gives me a lot of warmth, joy and happiness,” he said during the course of his address prior to the launch.
He recalled his childhood days, particularly those times when he came down to Goa and dreamt to have his set-up in the State. “Then, I met with Vijay Monte Cruz,” he said.
Perhaps, destiny had its own plans. “Things happened,” Joshi added. That’s when he was acclimatised with, what Joshi refers to, as “the most unique tasting beer” of Goa --- Kings Beer. “It had the water from Goa, the salinity of Goa’s atmosphere in Kings,” he said, reminiscing about the taste. That prompted Joshi to acquire the Kings Beer brand, and renaming it as ‘Goa Kings’, targeted at the mass segment.
The idea evolved till further. “Vijay Monte Cruz took me on a visit to Impala Industry where I saw barrels for storing the blended brew. The idea of Royal Oak then took shape,” Joshi recalled.
The concept of whisky actually came into existence in the year 1942. It had the stamp of royalty written all over it. Small wonder then, that whisky remained confined to be the exclusive prerogative of the elite and aristocracy.
However, India was poised to change this concept. “India is the third largest consumer of whisky,” informs Joshi. “Whisky is all about royalty,” he adds.
A name befitting royalty then took shape. “As whisky is all about royalty, we named our whisky Royal Oak,” he remarked.
Referred to as a 25-year-old matured malt with demineralised water and grain alcohol in it, the premium brand is available in three variants --- 750 ml, 375 ml and 180 ml --- priced at Rs 475, Rs 240 and Rs 130. “
This venture would soon spark off his entry into the hospitality sector. He conceptualised ‘Planet Hollywood’ --- a starred hotel in Utorda --- and took this venture too, to its logical conclusion. “The hotel too has been cherished by the local people,” he told the audience. “It isn’t just about dishing out something in the market. It is about our quality over quantity. The consumption of Royal Oak should not just be an event but an experience for the customer,” Joshi states.
