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Pernod to open India’s largest malt distillery
The Indian arm of Pernod Ricard will establish one of the biggest malt spirit distilleries in the country, in the city of Nagpur.
Pernod Ricard India plans to invest up to €200 million (US$217m) in the next 10 years.
The distillery will employ around 700 to 800 staff, including the construction and operation phases, and will be capable of producing 60,000 litres of spirit a day.
It also aims to procure up to 50,000 tons of barley annually and will work with the government of Maharashtra to develop local barley cultivation.
The firm currently has 24 production sites in India and employs 1,650 staff.
Shri Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, said: “We believe that infrastructural growth is the first step towards amplifying advancement for any state and we are delighted that Pernod Ricard India shares our vision to invest in the economic and skill development of the region and the country.
“The foundation of this distillery will assist in creating strong avenues for employment and aid in spurring growth of ancillary industries and services.
“Most importantly, this would serve as a platform of opportunities for thousands of farmers of the region to attain steady income and bring agricultural diversity and stability.”
Pernod Ricard India has worked with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to identify a site, with MIDC providing the regulatory permissions for the project.
Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India, added: “We are excited to announce the launch of one of India’s biggest malt spirit distilleries, to be set up in Nagpur, in Maharashtra.
“This initiative is in continuation of our dedicated efforts to make and innovate in India and we are confident that it will elevate India’s standing on the global map, as a key player in the production of high-quality malt. The establishment of this distillery will provide a boost to various allied sectors in and around Nagpur and the state of Maharashtra.
“Further, the foundation of the plant will aim to provide local entrepreneurs and the farmer community with new avenues of growth.
“As a leading player in the alco-bev segment for more than 30 years, inclusive and sustainable growth has been at the heart of our India strategy. We are honoured to work with the government of Maharashtra, which shares a similar vision.”
Pernod Ricard India said it will integrate sustainable practices and technologies at the distillery from its inception.
The firm’s Indian whisky brands include Imperial Blue, Royal Stag, Blenders Pride and Longitude 77, which launched in 2023.
India was a bright spot in Pernod Ricard’s financial results for the first half of fiscal 2024, with sales growing by 4%.
According to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, India will be a key volume growth market for total beverage alcohol from 2022 to 2027, with consumers particularly interested in brown spirits.