This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
ABD buys Fullarton Distilleries
India’s Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) has purchased Goa-based Fullarton Distilleries to expand its position in super-premium spirits.
India’s third-largest spirits company said the purchase of Fullarton, combined with ABD’s operational scale, would ‘create a synergistic opportunity for growth and market dominance within the super-premium spirits category’.
The deal – financial terms of which were not disclosed – includes all Fullarton brands and intellectual property rights.
Fullarton’s portfolio includes Indian whisky brand Woodburns, Pumori Small Batch Gin and Segredo Aldeia Rum.
Alok Gupta, managing director of ABD, said: “We recognise that the luxury segment is where we have a right to win, where we can truly add value. Acquiring these brands is a natural next step in our premiumisation strategy.
“This isn’t just an acquisition; it demonstrates our deep understanding of where we can create the most value. This is the future of ABD, and we’re executing this vision with precision.”
Woodburns is available in six Indian states and union territories, with expansion plans underway for other major markets.
ABD said Pumori and Segredo Aldeia have established a strong on-trade presence in key markets such as Maharashtra and Goa.
Rajiv Thadani, founder and managing director of Fullarton Distilleries, added: “Building Fullarton Distilleries since 2013 has been a journey of passion, dedication, and a commitment to crafting world-class spirits.
“We’re proud to see these brands move forward with ABD, a company that has the scale, expertise, and vision to take them even further. With their leadership, we are confident that the legacy we’ve built will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.”
Headquartered in Mumbai, ABD produces two of the world’s biggest-selling Indian whisky brands, Officer’s Choice and Sterling Reserve.
According to The Brand Champions 2024 report, Officer’s Choice was the world’s third top-selling Indian whisky in 2023, with case sales of 23.4 million (however, this was a decrease of 6% on 2022).
Meanwhile, Sterling Reserve was the eighth largest with sales of 5.1m cases in 2023, an increase of 1.6% year on year.
The firm, which also makes gin, brandy, rum and vodka, filed an initial public offering last year.
Related news
Top 10 spirits acquisitions in 2024