French spirits giant Pernod Ricard delivered a strong performance in India during the quarter ending March 2026, with revenue rising 11 percent, driven by robust consumer demand and growing sales of premium alcoholic beverages.
The performance highlights the increasing importance of the Indian market for the company and reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences toward higher-quality and premium brands.
Premiumization Driving Growth
According to the company, Indian consumers are increasingly moving away from lower-priced alternatives and opting for premium and prestige brands. This trend has resulted in double-digit growth across several key labels in the company’s portfolio.
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Brands such as Jameson, Absolut, and the company’s Scotch whisky portfolio recorded strong growth during the period. Other brands, including Blenders Pride and Longitude 77, also performed well, benefiting from the increasing demand for premium spirits.
India Emerges as a Key Growth Engine
While Pernod Ricard’s business in India continued to expand rapidly, the company’s global performance remained relatively subdued. During the third quarter, global sales stood at approximately €1.94 billion, registering only modest growth. The company also reported a 4.4 percent decline in net sales during the July–March period.
Against this backdrop, India has become one of the company’s most important growth markets, helping offset slower performance in several international regions.
Seagram Portfolio Continues to Play a Crucial Role
Nearly 25 years after acquiring Seagram India, the business continues to be a major contributor to Pernod Ricard’s Indian operations.
Popular brands under the portfolio, including Royal Stag, 100 Pipers, and Longitude 77, maintain a strong presence in the market. The company, however, recently divested the Imperial Blue brand as part of its portfolio strategy.
Indian Alcohol Market Continues to Expand
India’s alcoholic beverage market has been witnessing sustained growth, particularly in the premium segment. During FY25, the company’s India revenue reached approximately ₹27,446 crore, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 8 percent over the past five years.
Industry analysts attribute this growth to rising disposable incomes, urbanization, evolving consumer tastes, and increasing acceptance of premium drinking experiences.
India Becomes Pernod Ricard’s Largest Market by Volume
India has now emerged as Pernod Ricard’s largest market globally by volume, while also becoming its second-largest market by value. The country’s rapidly expanding consumer base and strong demand for premium spirits are playing a critical role in supporting the company’s overall growth strategy.
With premiumization continuing to reshape India’s alcohol industry, Pernod Ricard is expected to further strengthen its focus on high-end brands and innovation, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the most important growth markets for the global spirits industry.
Grape Escape’ Opens in Nashik, Adding a New Chapter to India’s Wine Culture
The emerging wine culture of Nashik, often referred to as India’s wine capital, has received a fresh boost with the launch of Grape Escape, a new wine experience destination designed for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The newly opened centre offers an engaging platform where visitors can explore wine through tastings, interactive learning sessions, and carefully curated food pairings featuring Indian cuisine. The initiative aims to make wine appreciation more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Affordable and Engaging Wine Experience
One of the key attractions of Grape Escape is its wine-tasting experience, available at an entry price of just ₹200. The affordable format is expected to attract both first-time wine drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of wine.
By combining education with entertainment, the centre seeks to create a welcoming environment where visitors can learn about wine varieties, tasting techniques, and food pairing in a relaxed setting.
A Vibrant Destination for Wine Lovers
Grape Escape has been designed with a lively and inviting ambience that enhances the overall visitor experience. Its vibrant interiors and informal atmosphere aim to make wine exploration enjoyable, social, and memorable.
The concept reflects a growing trend in India’s wine industry, where experiential tourism and consumer engagement are becoming increasingly important drivers of growth.
Strengthening Nashik’s Wine Tourism Appeal
Already recognized as the heart of India’s wine industry, Nashik continues to attract wine enthusiasts from across the country. The launch of Grape Escape is expected to further strengthen the city’s reputation as a leading wine tourism destination.
The new centre not only promotes wine appreciation but also contributes to the broader development of wine tourism by encouraging visitors to engage with the culture, heritage, and lifestyle associated with wine.
Supporting the Growth of Wine Culture in India
As consumer interest in wine continues to grow, initiatives such as Grape Escape play an important role in educating consumers and expanding the market. By making wine tasting approachable and enjoyable, the centre is helping cultivate a new generation of wine enthusiasts.
With its blend of learning, tasting, and social interaction, Grape Escape is poised to become a notable addition to Nashik’s wine landscape and a valuable platform for promoting India’s evolving wine culture.
ndri Visitor Centre: A Blend of Craftsmanship, Culture and Whisky Experience
Whisky enthusiasts and tourists now have a new destination to explore with the launch of the Indri Visitor Centre, a facility designed to offer an immersive journey into the world of single malt whisky.
The centre is not only a showcase of the art and science of whisky-making but also a celebration of culture, heritage, and experiential tourism. It aims to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship that goes into producing premium Indian single malt whisky.
Bringing the Whisky-Making Process to Life
The primary objective of the Indri Visitor Centre is to introduce visitors to the intricate process of whisky production—from raw ingredients and distillation to maturation and bottling.
Guests can gain first-hand insights into how single malt whisky is crafted, learn about the traditions and techniques behind the spirit, and appreciate the rich history associated with whisky production.
The experience is designed to take visitors through the complete journey of whisky-making, helping them understand the factors that contribute to the flavor, character, and quality of a premium single malt.
A Unique Blend of Heritage and Modern Experiences
The centre combines traditional craftsmanship with modern visitor experiences, creating an engaging environment for whisky lovers, industry professionals, and tourists alike.
Through interactive displays, educational sessions, and guided experiences, visitors can explore the heritage of whisky-making while enjoying a contemporary and immersive setting.
A New Destination for Whisky Tourism
As interest in premium Indian single malts continues to grow both domestically and internationally, the Indri Visitor Centre is expected to become a significant attraction for whisky tourism.
The facility offers enthusiasts an opportunity to connect more closely with the brand, understand the production process, and experience the culture surrounding Indian whisky.
Its launch reflects the broader trend of experiential tourism in the alcoholic beverage sector, where consumers increasingly seek authentic and educational experiences alongside premium products.
Strengthening India’s Whisky Culture
The initiative is expected to contribute to the growing recognition of India’s whisky heritage and help promote a deeper appreciation of single malt whisky among consumers.
By combining education, craftsmanship, culture, and tourism, the Indri Visitor Centre creates a distinctive platform that celebrates India’s evolving whisky industry and positions itself as a must-visit destination for whisky aficionados and travelers interested in premium spirits.
As Indian single malts continue to gain global acclaim, such experiential centres are likely to play an important role in strengthening both whisky tourism and consumer engagement across the country.
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