Pernod Ricard has officially launched the construction of its malt whisky distillery in Nagpur, Maharashtra (whisky produced in a tropical climate), marking a turning point for the Indian market.
The ₹ 1,785 crores (over €10m) project will produce 60,000 litres of malt whisky a day (13 million litres of pure alcohol a year), making it Asia’s largest malt distillery. The distillery will source around 60,000 tonnes of barley a year from thousands of local farmers and will also create 800 jobs, while focusing on sustainable farming practices.
Equipped with a substantial ageing capacity, this facility aims to produce premium whiskies for the domestic and international markets. This initiative is part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to expand its footprint in India and strengthen its portfolio, alongside brands such as Royal Stag, Blender’s Pride and Chivas Regal, in response to the growing demand for premium whiskies in India.