Indri, the single malt Indian whisky that came out of nowhere to sweep multiple ‘world’s best’ awards at various fora, is now taking a shot at going global. Its makers have announced a Rs 1,000 crore expansion plan including new distillery and malt facilities, as well as perhaps a first for an Indian alco-bev company, an international distillery in Scotland.
Talk about taking the fight to the leader’s doorsteps — Walker’s better walk faster!
Piccadily Agro Industries, the makers of Indri, on Wednesday, announced its moonshot venture at taking an Indian whisky to the global stage. The plans include expanding its existing distillery and malt facilities in Haryana, establishing a new distillery in Mahasamund in Chhattisgarh, as well as a distillery in Portavadie on a 58-acre land in Scotland.
“This expansion is not just about scaling up our operations; it is about reshaping the future of premium Indian alco-bev spirits on a global stage. Our expansion across India and Scotland demonstrates our ambition to redefine the global spirits industry while solidifying India’s position as a producer of high-quality, premium alcohol," said Siddhartha Sharma, promoter, Piccadily Agro Industries.
Piccadily, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, had raised Rs 262 crore from investors last month, while an additional Rs 50 crore is being infused by the promoter family. The balance funding shall be tied up through a combination of internal accruals and debt, the company said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
The expansions are expected to be completed over the next two years, with phase 1 of the total expansion at Indri plant of malt and ethanol reaching completion in early 2025.
Launched in 2022, Indri single malt whisky won the ‘Whisky of the Year’ title at the USA Spirit Rating Awards this year, following up on its Diwali Collector’s Edition winning the top prize at the ‘Whiskies of the World’ awards last year. The Indri Reserve 11-year-old wine cask also made it to the Top 15 at the International Whisky Competition this year.