Challenges in Expanding to India
Ponting Wines faces hurdles in gaining traction in India’s premium wine market, despite entering through Delhi Duty Free in 2023. Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting acknowledged the complex tax structures and tariffs as major obstacles in expanding beyond duty-free retail.
“Distribution is complicated, with numerous taxes and tariffs making it hard to bring our products to the general public,” Ponting stated on The Howie Games podcast.
A Collaborative Wine Venture
In 2020, Ponting and his wife Rianna partnered with award-winning Australian winemaker Ben Riggs to launch Ponting Wines. The collection reflects key moments from Ponting’s cricketing career, blending quality and storytelling into each bottle.
Struggles in Distribution and Pricing
India’s growing demand for premium wines made it a promising market, yet high taxes and import duties have limited accessibility. Ponting noted that a bottle priced at $10 in Australia could cost up to $120 in an Indian restaurant.
“The costs are steep, and we don’t want to compromise on quality. To enter the market effectively, we may need special products for India,” he added.
Support from Delhi Capitals and GMR Group
Ponting leveraged his association with Delhi Capitals (DC) and co-owners GMR Group to launch his wines at Delhi Duty Free. While this gave the brand a foothold, expanding into wider retail distribution remains a challenge.
“We are taking it one step at a time, and eventually, we will expand because the potential is enormous,” Ponting said.
Partnership with Calabria Family Wines
Ponting Wines is distributed in Australia by Calabria Family Wines, based in New South Wales. This partnership has helped expand the brand’s presence domestically, with hopes of similar success in international markets.
IPL Career Shift: From Delhi Capitals to Punjab Kings
On the cricketing front, Ponting’s tenure with Delhi Capitals ended ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, marking the conclusion of a seven-year stint. However, he remains active in the league, signing on as head coach of Punjab Kings for the upcoming season.
This transition signifies a new phase in Ponting’s coaching career, where he hopes to bring success to Punjab Kings and further establish himself as one of the most respected figures in the cricketing world.
Looking Ahead
Despite setbacks, Ponting remains optimistic about the Indian market. With strong international backing and strategic adjustments, Ponting Wines aims to overcome current obstacles and capture India’s demand for premium wines.
While the road to expansion is challenging, Ponting’s deep connections with India’s cricketing audience could play a key role in shaping the brand’s future. As interest in high-quality wines grows, Ponting Wines remains well-positioned to seize the opportunity when the market conditions improve.
