Bhoomi Pujan of Pernod's malt distillery project in Nagpur

Pernod Ricard India has marked a momentous occasion with the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony (a traditional ground-breaking ritual), for setting up its largest malt distillery and maturation facility in Asia, which is to be situated in Butibori, Nagpur. This is a significant first-step in the realisation of the company’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra, signed on 23rd February 2024. This landmark MoU further underscores Pernod Ricard’s commitment to India, backed by a projected investment of up to Rs. 1785 crore over a span of 10 years.

Since the MoU’s signing, Pernod Ricard India has already committed about Rs. 100 crore, including land costs, as an essential first step in advancing the project. The company has already made notable progress on operational and construction planning.  The design and layout of the facility have been finalised. These efforts align with the goals outlined in the MoU. The project envisages the establishment of end-to-end capabilities for producing world-class malt spirit in India and the creation of the largest malt plant in Asia, with a production capacity of up to 13 million pure alcoholic liters annually.

In this regard, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, stated, “Pernod Ricard India’s decision to invest in the establishment of Asia’s largest malt spirit distillery and maturation facility in Maharashtra underscores India's growing stature on the global economic stage. This landmark project will significantly contribute to local employment, providing job opportunities for hundreds of individuals while fostering skill development and entrepreneurship. It will drive economic growth, benefiting farmers and various sectors, aligning perfectly with our vision for a dynamic, diversified, and self-reliant economy.”

Jean Touboul, CEO of Pernod Ricard India, remarked, "The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony is a significant milestone that highlights our unwavering dedication to India’s growth story. This facility will benefit from Pernod Ricard’s rich heritage in producing premium spirits. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, contributing to the economic and social prosperity of Maharashtra and beyond. Our vision is to shape a sustainable future, where India emerges as a hub for premium malt spirits crafted with global precision and local passion."

The project is poised to generate direct employment for 700 to 800 people, and expected indirect job opportunities throughout the region. It is also expected to provide farmers with new avenues to cultivate high-quality barley, thereby improving their livelihoods and contributing to agricultural diversity. Additionally, the initiative focuses on skill development and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within local communities.

Pernod Ricard India is dedicated to implementing sustainable practices at every stage of this facility’s operation. The facility will use 100 percent renewable electricity, biomass from agricultural waste, and adopt water-positive measures to minimise its ecological footprint. This commitment supports the company’s vision of establishing India as a hub for innovative malt-based heritage brands, catering to both Indian consumers and global markets.