Allied Blenders & Distillers Limited (ABD), one of India’s leading alcoholic beverage companies and the maker of the renowned Officer’s Choice brand, has formally initiated the acquisition of the distillery and bottling unit of National Industrial Corporation Limited (NICL) located in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.
As part of the acquisition process, ABD has already secured the transfer of relevant records and licenses with the Excise Department, replacing NICL’s name with its own in official documentation. The distillery currently has an annual alcohol production capacity of approximately 180 lakh litres, which ABD is expected to expand in the near future.
The acquisition is aimed at strengthening the company’s manufacturing capabilities in North India while improving operational efficiency and reducing logistics costs. According to information shared by the company, a total investment of ₹110 crore has been earmarked for the project.
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Under the terms of the deal, ₹70 crore will be utilized for acquiring the Moradabad facility’s land, buildings, existing machinery, and licenses. The remaining ₹40 crore will be invested in modernization of the plant and the installation of a new state-of-the-art bottling facility.
The move is expected to enhance ABD’s production infrastructure and support its long-term growth strategy in one of the country’s most important alcoholic beverage markets. By strengthening its manufacturing base in Uttar Pradesh, the company aims to improve supply-chain efficiency and better cater to growing market demand.
Industry observers view the acquisition as a significant strategic step that will enable ABD to expand its production footprint while reinforcing its position in the Indian spirits industry. The planned modernization and capacity enhancement are also expected to create opportunities for future expansion and increased operational flexibility.
With this investment, ABD continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening its manufacturing network and supporting its ambitions for sustained growth in India’s evolving alcoholic beverages sector.
Premium Segment to Remain the Key Focus
ABD’s Board of Directors approved the acquisition proposal on 16 January 2026. The transaction forms an important part of the company’s backward integration strategy, aimed at strengthening control over key raw materials and improving operational efficiency.
Through the Moradabad facility, ABD will be able to produce its own Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), a critical input in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages. This will significantly reduce the company’s dependence on external suppliers for raw materials, resulting in improved margins and better cost management.
In addition, owning bottling infrastructure in a large market such as Uttar Pradesh will enhance the company’s supply-chain capabilities and improve product availability across the region. The move is expected to provide greater operational flexibility while supporting the company’s growing premium portfolio.
Acquisition Expected to be Completed by July 2026
The acquisition process is likely to be completed by July 2026. Following the takeover, ABD plans to undertake a comprehensive modernization and upgradation programme at the facility, which is expected to be completed within the next twelve months.
The Moradabad unit also offers additional land for future expansion, providing the company with opportunities to increase production capacity and support long-term growth plans.
With this acquisition, Allied Blenders & Distillers has sent a clear signal of its intent to strengthen its position in the Indian alcoholic beverages market. The company aims to expand its market share while reinforcing its presence in the premium spirits segment, one of the fastest-growing categories in the industry.
Superior Group Receives Prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ Recognition
Superior Group of Industries, which has consistently achieved new milestones in the industrial sector, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ Certification for the year 2026–27. The recognition has been conferred in acknowledgement of the company’s strong workplace culture, employee-friendly environment, transparent management practices, and positive work ethos.
The certification is based on a comprehensive assessment and employee survey conducted by the Great Place to Work Institute. In the mid-sized organization category, Superior Group successfully established itself as a strong and influential employer brand, reflecting its commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated.
Over the past few years, Superior Group has witnessed rapid growth and has built a distinct identity among consumers and industry stakeholders alike. According to company data, it has served nearly 80 million consumers and has developed an extensive distribution network reaching more than 250,000 retail outlets across the country.
The company has also achieved a significant milestone in the country liquor segment, recording the production and distribution of over 10 million litres, further strengthening its position in the market.
The ‘Great Place to Work’ recognition underscores Superior Group’s focus on fostering employee engagement, professional development, and organizational excellence. The achievement is expected to further enhance the company’s reputation as an employer of choice while supporting its continued growth and leadership in the industry.
Hariyawan Distillery Receives Approval for Capacity Expansion
In a significant move aimed at promoting industrial development and encouraging investment, the Uttar Pradesh Government has approved an increase in the annual production capacity of the distillery unit of DCM Shriram Limited located at Hariyawan in Hardoi district. The decision is expected to boost state revenue while also creating new employment opportunities in the region.
Under the revised approval, the distillery’s operational period has been increased from 330 working days to 350 working days per year. As a result, the unit’s total annual licensed production capacity has risen from 528 lakh litres to 560 lakh litres. However, the daily production capacity will remain unchanged at 160 kilolitres per day (KLPD) of RS/ENA.
The approval was granted following recommendations made by the Excise Department’s high-level committee, keeping in view the state’s industrial development goals and revenue interests. According to the revised capacity structure, the distillery will have an annual potable alcohol capacity of 111.38 lakh litres (19.89%), while industrial alcohol production capacity will account for 448.62 lakh litres (80.11%).
The government has also stipulated that the unit must strictly adhere to quality standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) throughout its production process.
Industry experts view the approval as another positive step in Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to strengthen its industrial ecosystem and attract investment. The expansion aligns with the state’s broader “Ease of Doing Business” and industrial promotion initiatives, which seek to encourage manufacturing growth, enhance production capabilities, and generate employment opportunities.
The capacity enhancement is expected to contribute to increased industrial output, support the state’s ethanol and alcohol-based industries, and further strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s position as a key hub for the distillery sector in India.
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