Ever
since its inception in 1886, Shaw Wallace has established a legacy
in India that is drenched in the spirit of the Nation for the
last 120 years. The company came into existence at a time when
the country was battling for its for freedom against the colonialism
of the British regime. It was an era of cataclysmic change, powered
by the crystallization of the social, political, cultural and
economic ideologies that would define the very future of India.
Shaw Wallace after a modest beginning blossomed into one of the
forerunners in the alcohol and beverage industry. Throughout its
long and arduous journey, it has added many a firsts to its credit.
The company was one of the first importers of motor cars in India
during the beginning of the 20th century; the first agent in India
of a wireless company - Marconi's Wireless Telegraph and in 1926,
acted as an agent of an airline, the 'Imperial Airways'. In 1987,
the company came under the leadership of the late Mr. M. R. Chhabria.
In yet another historic development, in June 2005, Shaw Wallace
was taken over by The UB Group, spearheaded under the dynamic
leadership of Dr. Vijay Mallya. Heralding a complete new era for
the erstwhile corporate entity, Dr. Mallya completed the acquisition
by taking over as the company's Chairman, making the combined
entity of McDowell, Herbertsons and Triumph Distilleries &
Vintners and SWC as the second largest distilled spirits marketer
in the world, with sales exceeding 59.4 million cases, second
only to Diageo of UK, which sells 91 million cases.
Shaw Wallace, after its acquisition by the UB Group, will now
come under a common entity known as United Spirits Ltd., which
has 140 brands under its wings out of which, there are 15 millionaire
brands growing at a rapid pace. The UB Group enjoys a total domestic
market share of 60% with no other rival liquor business getting
even near to its accomplishment.