Though the brewer started production and distribution of the beverage from 2010, its market was limited within Jumla and adjoining districts.[break]
Ram Krishna Chaulagain, managing director of the company, said organic apples grown in Jumla are used as raw materials for the beverage products.
“Though we started production and distribution of organic apple brandy a couple of years ago for local market, we had not made our presence in bigger cities. We have also introduced apple juice for both the local and bigger markets. We are hopeful that our organic products will get positive response from consumers in big markets,” said Chaulagain.
Sandesh brandy is available in two flavors in 750-ml glass bottles at Rs 650 per bottle. “We are also going to introduce 180-ml Sandesh brandy targeting low-income consumers,” he added.
Similarly, apple juice, which is available in 200 ml bottle, is priced at Rs 70.
Chaulagain, who is also an apple farmer, said the company will make maximum effort to properly utilize locally produced apples in Jumla.
Due to lack of local industry in Jumla and difficulties in transporting apples to bigger markets, farmers have been forced to sell their produce at throwaway prices.
With the establishment of the brewer, some local farmers are getting proper market for apples.
To promote the company´s brandy and juice in big local markets such as the capital, Bishwa Binayak Marketing has been appointed as an authorized distributor for these products.
“On the eve of Dashain and Tihar festivals we have started distributing our products in the local big markets through Bishwa Binayak Marketing,” he said. The company has been showcasing its products at a five-day Life Style Expo, being organized at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu from Friday.
The company which has been established with an investment of Rs 15 million has been providing employment to over forty people. The firm produces the brand and juice during November to May when local juices are available to run the factory.
He said the company has a capacity to produce 50,000 liters of brandy and 10,000 liters of juice per year. The company has reported a total turnover of around Rs 1.5 million during the year 2011. He expected that the sales volume will go up to Rs 8 million in 2012.
Besides local markets, the company is also planning to export its products to overseas market.
“We have approached the government to make us favorable environment for exporting our products to international market,” he said.
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