New Delhi: Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd (ABDL) is set to enter the single malt whisky segment with an investment of up to Rs 115 crore, as the company looks to strengthen its presence in India’s growing premium spirits market. The company’s Management Committee has approved an additional capital infusion into its subsidiary, Minakshi Agro Industries LLP (MAILLP), which will use the funds to establish a malt distillery-cum-maturation warehouse in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The proposed facility is expected to have an annual production capacity of around 3 million bulk litres and is targeted to be commissioned by the third quarter of FY28.
ABDL said the investment is part of its long-term strategy to expand and strengthen its premium spirits portfolio by entering the provenance-led single malt whisky category. The move comes amid growing consumer interest in premium and luxury alcoholic beverages in India, with Indian single malt brands gaining increasing recognition in the domestic and international markets. In addition to the Rs 115 crore investment, ABDL has approved a further Rs 10 crore capital contribution for previously sanctioned projects under MAILLP. The additional funding will primarily address cost overruns associated with a bottling unit and a distillery, with the company attributing part of the higher project costs to increased prices of key metals. The bottling facility will also undergo a marginal expansion of its bottling hall and mezzanine area to accommodate longer automated bottling lines.
ABDL, known for brands including Officer’s Choice, has a broad presence across India’s spirits industry and exports its products to 39 countries, according to the company. The planned Aurangabad facility will provide dedicated infrastructure for single malt whisky production and maturation, a segment that typically requires specialised manufacturing facilities and extended ageing periods. The investment is expected to help ABDL diversify its premium portfolio while expanding its manufacturing capabilities. With the planned single malt facility and other ongoing capacity expansion projects, the company is positioning itself to capture rising demand for premium spirits and strengthen its foothold in India’s rapidly evolving whisky market.
About the Author
