Pernod Ricard India advances landmark investment with Groundbreaking of Asia’s Largest Malt Distillery and Maturation Facility in Nagpur

India, 7 October 2024 – Pernod Ricard India, a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry, has marked a momentous occasion with the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony, (a traditional ground-breaking ritual), for setting up its largest malt distillery and maturation facility in Asia, to be situated in Butibori, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. This is a significant first-step in the realization of the company’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra, signed on 23 February 2024. This landmark MoU further underscores Pernod Ricard’s commitment to India, backed by a projected investment of up to INR 1785 crore over a span of 10 years. 

Since the MoU’s signing, Pernod Ricard India has already committed about INR 100 crore, including land costs, as an essential first step in advancing the project. The company has already made notable progress on operational and construction planning.  The design and layout of the facility has been finalized. These efforts align with the goals outlined in the MoU. The project envisages the establishment of end-to-end capabilities for producing world-class malt spirit in India and the creation of the largest malt plant in Asia, with a production capacity of up to 13 million pure alcoholic liters annually.

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, stated, “Pernod Ricard India’s decision to invest in the establishment of Asia’s largest malt spirit distillery and maturation facility in Maharashtra underscores India's growing stature on the global economic stage. This landmark project will significantly contribute to local employment, providing job opportunities for hundreds of individuals while fostering skill development and entrepreneurship. It will drive economic growth, benefiting farmers and various sectors, aligning perfectly with our vision for a dynamic, diversified, and self-reliant economy.”

Jean Touboul, CEO of Pernod Ricard India, remarked, "The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony is a significant milestone that highlights our unwavering dedication to India’s growth story. This facility will benefit from Pernod Ricard’s rich heritage in producing premium spirits. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, contributing to the economic and social prosperity of Maharashtra and beyond. Our vision is to shape a sustainable future, where India emerges as a hub for premium malt spirits crafted with global precision and local passion."

The project is poised to generate direct employment for 700 to 800 people, with indirect job opportunities expected throughout the region. It will also provide farmers with new avenues to cultivate high-quality barley, thereby improving their livelihoods and contributing to agricultural diversity. Additionally, the initiative focuses on skill development and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within local communities.

Pernod Ricard India is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices at every stage of this facility’s operation. The facility will use 100% renewable electricity, biomass from agricultural waste, and adopt water-positive measures to minimize its ecological footprint. This commitment supports the company’s vision of establishing India as a hub for innovative malt-based heritage brands, catering to both Indian consumers and global markets.

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About Pernod Ricard India

Pernod Ricard India Private Limited (PRI) is a fully owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard South Asia and a fast-growing multinational alcohol-beverage company delivering quality products to its consumers across the country.

Impressive Brand Portfolio

Home to renowned brands in each category, Pernod Ricard India holds one of the most dynamic and premium portfolios in the industry, led by Seagram’s whiskies that include Longitude 77, Royal Stag, Royal Stag Barrel Select, Blenders Pride, Blenders Pride Reserve Collection, Imperial Blue, 100 Pipers and a wide range of international premium brands such as Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute and Jameson Irish whiskey. Some of the eminent brands in the white spirits category include ABSOLUT vodka, Jacob’s Creek and Campo Viejo wines, Martell cognac, Beefeater and Monkey 47 gin, Kahlúa, and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagne.

Global yet committed to ‘Make in India’

India continues to be a priority market and central to Pernod Ricard’s operations globally. Being one of the fastest growing businesses for Pernod Ricard globally, the Group’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative is reflected in its sales portfolio within India, which comprises over 97% of domestically produced brands. With six overseas manufacturing locations including Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Nigeria, and Cameroon, and a global footprint in 50+ countries, Seagram’s whiskies are being exported to 40 countries across the world.

With over 30 years of rich legacy and operations in India, the company operates through its distillery in Nashik (Maharashtra) apart from 24 bottling sites across the country. The company also has a state-of-the-art distillery and winery at Nashik (Maharashtra), a one-of-its-kind integrated risk management and zero pollution facility. The two units – Nashik and Rocky, have also become the first winery and the first Alco-Bev units, respectively, to receive the FSSC 22000 certification.

Responsible and Growing for Good

Pernod Ricard India is recognized as an industry leader with accolades including ‘Best Places to Work 2021’ by BW People, Stevie 2021 – Gold for Great Employers and The Economic Times ‘Best Places to Work for Women 2021’. The company has also been certified as 'The Great Place to Work 2021' by the Great Place to Work Institute. With a strong focus on Diversity & Inclusion, Pernod Ricard India has over 50% representation of women on the shop floor in their manufacturing sites in the South and East Zone.

Pernod Ricard India also believes in ‘Creating Shared Value’ for the business and local communities in a way that drives transformational growth and development for the country. Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF), a Section 8 Company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 (“Act”), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PRI, instituted to fulfil its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility near its operations and beyond.