Abanti Sankaranarayanan, 

After Diageo took a controlling stake in United Spirits for $3 billion, India has become key to its global strategy. Diageo controls 17% of the Indian malt market, up from 12% a year ago, says International Wine and Spirits Research. Sankaranarayanan recently told a financial daily that the acquisition gave enough fire power to Diageo brands, which saw 22% growth in volumes with 40% growth in top line. Meanwhile, she continues to grow the Johnnie Walker family of brands, which account for a third of Diageo’s sales. For FY13, in the premium Scotch segment, Johnnie Walker Black Label gained 3% market share to reach 65%. Smirnoff, the vodka brand, which accounts for a third of overall sales in the country and is Diageo’s largest-selling brand here, improved share by 1% to 78%. Again, Johnnie Walker Red Label increased share to 53% from 42% a year ago.