INDIA – Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd (ABDL) revealed plans to venture into India’s single malt whisky market by investing up to Rs 115 crore (US$11.99M). The firm’s Management Committee greenlit the extra funding for its subsidiary, Minakshi Agro Industries LLP (MAILLP), to build a malt distillation plant alongside a maturation warehouse in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The upcoming plant is projected to yield roughly 3 million bulk litres per year and should begin operations in the third quarter of FY28.
This initiative supports ABDL’s broader objective of entering the premium single malt whisky space. “The proposed investment is aligned with the Company’s long-term strategic vision of expanding and strengthening its premium spirits portfolio through entry into the provenance-led Single Malt Whisky segment,” ABDL stated. Rising demand for high-end spirits among Indian consumers and growing recognition of local single malt labels have influenced this move. ABDL already offers a range of whiskies and other alcoholic beverages. In addition to the main investment, the board sanctioned another capital infusion of up to Rs 10 crore (US$1.04M) for ongoing projects under MAILLP.
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These funds will help cover unexpected cost increases tied to a bottling facility and distillery operations. According to ABDL, rising metal prices drove up project expenses. The firm also intends to slightly enlarge the bottling hall and mezzanine level to fit extended automated bottling systems. Global Expansion Plans The new Aurangabad site will boost single malt whisky output once operational and offer dedicated areas for production and aging. In August, ABDL expanded abroad via a contract bottling deal in Malaysia to produce and market Officer’s Choice Blue, marking its first international local manufacturing agreement.
As part of the arrangement, Officer’s Choice Blue will be sold in 750ml, 180ml, and 90ml bottles. ABDL will collaborate with a seasoned local partner while maintaining oversight of raw materials, packaging, quality control, and brand management. For the quarter ending June 30, 2026, ABDL posted a standalone net profit of Rs 68.19 crore (US$7.11M), up 11.95% compared to the same period last year. The new investment will introduce single malt whisky to ABDL’s current drink lineup. The Aurangabad facility is slated to start operations in the third quarter of FY28.