Pernod Ricard plans one of India's largest distilleries for Nagpur
The spirits company plans an investment of 200 million euros
In a press release, Pernod Ricard announces big plans for its Indian business: over the next 10 years, the company plans to invest up to 200 million euros in the construction of a new malt distillery in Nagpur (the press release does not mention the word whisky, but always refers to a malt spirit distillery). With a production capacity of 60,000 litres of alcohol per day, i.e. almost 20 million litres per year, it will be one of the largest distilleries in India.
A Memorandum of Understanding has already been signed by the government of the Indian region of Maharashtra and Pernod Ricard. 700 to 800 people will find work with the commissioning of the distillery, and the demand for 50,000 tonnes of barley per year should help Indian agriculture to grow. Sustainable practices and technologies are to be integrated into all distillery processes from the inception.
Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India, said, “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 over 30 years, inclusive and sustainable growth has been at the heart of our India strategy. We are honored to work with the Government of Maharashtra which shares a similar vision."
Pernod Ricard currently operates 24 plants in India, employing 1,650 people, reports the British spirits journal The Spirits Business.
