Bengaluru: Modi Illva, the company behind Rockford whisky, is setting up a new malt distillery with an investment of ₹100 crore. The distillery, located at its existing facility in Modi Nagar, is expected to be operational by December this year. The company also plans to launch its own single malt whisky in the near future.
Abhishek Modi, Executive Director of Modi Illva India, shared that the investment is aimed at producing high-quality malt spirit for its current brands and future premium offerings. “Creating the right kind of malt is an art. We want to deliver a top-notch product that supports our existing range and opens the door for new premium releases like single malts,” he said.
Modi Illva is a joint venture between the Umesh Modi Group and Italy’s Illva Saronno. In the financial year 2024-25, the company reported a turnover of ₹1,500 crore and expects to grow by around 30% this year, targeting ₹2,000 crore in revenue.
Big Growth Plans
The company has ambitious plans for the future, including an additional ₹200 crore investment over the next five years for marketing, brand development, and expanding production capacity. Modi said, “We closed FY25 with 2.71 million cases and aim to increase that to 3.5 million in the coming year.”
The company’s flagship brand, House of Rockford, has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 78% since its launch in 2011. Overall, the business is growing at a 55% CAGR. Modi emphasized their commitment to launching more products, backed by a strengthened distribution network.
Recently, Modi Illva introduced Singhasan, a premium Indian blended whisky. The move reflects a growing consumer preference for high-quality Indian-made spirits.
Rise of Indian Premium Spirits
“Ten years ago, consumers didn’t associate Indian brands with premium quality. But that’s changed. Today, people are open to paying premium prices for Indian-made whiskies and gins, recognizing that they meet international standards,” said Modi. “If Indian single malts and gins can gain traction, why not a premium Indian blended whisky?”
Modi Illva’s portfolio currently includes Rockford Reserve, Rockford Classic, Artic vodka, and now Singhasan—offering a mix of classic and premium spirits to meet evolving consumer tastes.
