ProWine Mumbai has steadily evolved into one of India’s most relevant business platforms for wine and spirits — a meeting ground for producers, importers, trade professionals, and hospitality leaders shaping the country’s beverage landscape. Having participated in the 2022 edition, this year marked an important next step for Sake Club India (SCI) — one that strengthened our vision of connecting India to Japan’s rich brewing and distillation culture.
For ProWine Mumbai 2025, Sake Club India collaborated with NIHONSHUNISHIYO CO., LTD. led by Maaya Takaoka, to present a curated and diverse portfolio of Japanese Sake, Gin, Whisky, Awamori and Liqueurs. The partnership enabled a well-rounded showcase of producers from different terroirs, styles and regional philosophies across Japan.
A Booth Designed for Discovery
Our booth — H-58 — was strategically located with broad visibility and open access on three sides. This encouraged natural footfall, unhurried tastings, and meaningful conversations. What truly elevated the experience was the presence of brewery and distillery owners themselves, who shared first-hand perspectives on craftsmanship, provenance and intent. Their involvement transformed many tastings into deeper cultural and technical exchanges.
Strategic Pre-Event Engagement
This year’s showcase was shaped not only by the portfolio but also by thoughtful pre-event communication. In the two months leading up to ProWine, we published blog features, social media updates, and our September & October newsletters introducing the participating breweries, their philosophies, and what visitors could expect at our booth.
Many who stopped by did so with purpose — already curious to taste specific sake, gin or awamori they had read about beforehand. This familiarity allowed our discussions to begin at a higher level, resulting in richer trade conversations and faster alignment on potential business pathways.
Adding further momentum was Shruti Kaith– our experienced hospitality intern from Hotel JW Marriott Bengaluru whose combination of practical tasting experience and sake education made her an invaluable bridge between producer storytelling and trade comprehension. Her presence reaffirmed the importance of developing informed local ambassadors for Japanese beverages in India.
Reflections & Key Learnings
Over two days, we welcomed importers, distributors, hoteliers, restaurateurs, bartenders, sommeliers and beverage educators. Across conversations, a few clear themes emerged:
- The Indian palate continues to evolve. While pricing remains a practical consideration, there is increasing openness toward beverages that are story-led, artisanal and culturally grounded.
- Japanese Whisky retains a strong perception advantage, particularly its quiet balance, elegance and refinement.
- Awamori remains niche, but the curiosity is real. Consistency in sensory exposure and structured education will unlock the category.
- Amid the growth of Indian craft spirits, Japanese Gin — especially those distilled from sake lees with regional botanicals — continues to offer a distinctive point of difference that resonates strongly with trade and enthusiasts alike.
Looking Ahead
ProWine Mumbai 2025 was not just a tasting showcase — it was an exercise in connection, exchange and cultural appreciation. The conversations that began at Booth H-58 now continue beyond the fair, and we are excited to see how these relationships develop, and what new possibilities emerge for bringing refined and authentic Japanese beverages to Indian consumers.
To everyone who visited — thank you.
For your curiosity, your questions, your conversations, and your openness to discovery.
Kampai to what comes next. 🇯🇵🥂🇮🇳
