Brahmapur, June 28: The Aska Cooperative Sugar Industries Limited (ASCIL), regarded as Asia's first cooperative sugar factory, is set to introduce two new flavours of its popular liquor brand “ASKA-40” - lemon and orange - to strengthen its revenue base.
The distillery manufactures “ASKA-40” using molasses, a by-product of sugar production.
“It has been decided to launch two new flavors - lemon and orange – of “ASKA-40”. The new flavoured variants are expected to widen the brand's appeal and boost sales,” said ASCIL Managing Director Susanta Panda.
Established in 1963, ASCIL is one of Odisha's oldest sugar industries. Besides sugar production, it operates a distillery with a capacity to produce 10,000 bulk litres of rectified spirit by utilising molasses, the organic by-product generated by the sugar unit. The move to diversify the “Aska-40” portfolio is part of the cooperative's strategy to enhance its financial performance.
The “ASKA-40” is being made available in nine districts by the Odisha State Beverages Corporation (OSBC) Ltd. The OSBC keeps the country liquor in four Government depots at Khordha, Chandikhol, Nirgundi and Balasore to ensure supply in nine districts.
Initially, the distillery was producing 10000 bulk liters of rectified spirit which has now gone up to 3 lakh bottle per day. The range is available in 200ml glass bottle which costs Rs 70.
