Modi Illva India has secured two major honours at the Spiritz Conclave & Achievers’ Awards 2026, with Rockford Imperial Reserve winning the Product Launch 2026 – Whisky Value award and Abhishek Modi, Managing Director of Modi Illva India Pvt. Ltd. and Board Member of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), being recognised as Leader of the Year 2026.
The dual recognition highlights the company’s focus on whisky innovation, premiumisation and leadership in India’s evolving alcoholic beverages market. It also reinforces Modi Illva India’s efforts to develop differentiated spirits brands that cater to changing consumer preferences and the growing demand for premium whisky expressions.
Rockford Imperial Reserve is a premium extension of The House of Rockford portfolio, crafted through a blend of exceptional Scottish and Indian malt whiskies harmonised with selected grain spirits. Designed to deliver a richer and more elevated drinking experience, the expression builds on Rockford’s established brand identity while offering consumers a distinctive premium whisky option. 
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BLR Brewing Co. Opens Seventh Brewpub in Yelahanka, Plans Five More OutletsAdding to its achievements, Rockford Imperial Reserve received 89 points and a Spirit Bronze at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2026. The international recognition, alongside its latest industry award, strengthens the product’s credentials as Modi Illva India continues to expand its presence in the premium whisky segment.
The awards come at a time when India’s whisky market is witnessing increasing interest in premium and differentiated offerings. Consumers are exploring products that emphasise taste, quality, blending and distinctive drinking experiences. Rockford Imperial Reserve’s recognition reflects the importance of product development and innovation in responding to these changing market dynamics.
Commenting on the achievement, Abhishek Modi, Managing Director of Modi Illva India Pvt. Ltd. and Board Member of CIABC, said, “The recognition for Rockford Imperial Reserve is a meaningful acknowledgement of the work that went into developing this expression. With Imperial Reserve, we wanted to create a more elevated experience while staying true to the character that consumers already associate with Rockford. It is encouraging to see the product being recognised within its first year, and this recognition reinforces our belief in continuing to build premium expressions that respond to the evolving preferences of Indian whisky consumers.
“Being honoured as Leader of the Year 2026 makes this recognition particularly meaningful. I see it not just as a personal honour, but as a reflection of the collective effort of our team and the work we are doing to build brands that are relevant to the changing Indian consumer. As the Indian spirits industry continues to evolve, our focus remains on quality, innovation and creating differentiated experiences that can contribute to the next phase of growth in the category.”
The Leader of the Year 2026 award recognises Abhishek Modi’s vision, resilience and leadership in driving the company’s continued growth. Together, the two honours underscore Modi Illva India’s commitment to product innovation, brand development and premiumisation as it strengthens its position in India’s competitive spirits market.
The recognition at the Spiritz Conclave & Achievers’ Awards 2026 marks another milestone for Modi Illva India and Rockford Imperial Reserve, highlighting the growing importance of differentiated whisky offerings in the country’s evolving premium spirits landscape.
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