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Bindu D. Menon

New Delhi, Dec. 21 Radico Khaitan has commissioned its second grain-based distillery, set up with an investment of Rs 136 crore, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

The second largest spirits maker, which posted Rs 1,600-crore turnover last year, said it expects to close the current fiscal with 15-18 per cent growth.

The new facility has been set up to reduce transportation and logistics costs.

Radico Khaitan will hold a 36 per cent stake in the new company to be called Radico NV Distilleries Maharashtra, with the remaining 64 per cent divided between the other two partners Riddhi Siddhi and NV Distillers. The company also owns Asia’s largest distillery in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh.

“The Aurangabad distillery will have an annual capacity of 36 million litres and will produce extra neutral alcohol, ethanol and Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL). It will also have a bottling facility,” Mr Raju Vaziraney, Chief operating Officer, Domestic Business Radico Khaitan, told Business Line.

The company is also looking to step up its vodka brands in India. Its portfolio includes 8 PM Whiskey, Contessa Rum and Magic Moments.

It imports and markets a range of wines, including Carlo Andre.

Radico Khaitan has a 50:50 joint venture with the global liquor major Diageo. The joint venture makes ‘Master Stroke’ whisky brand in India.

Mr Vaziraney said the company is looking to address the premium segment with a range of high-end brands in the brown spirits category.

It will continue its focus on the CSD channel. “Geographically, the North and South are important markets. CSD will also form a core area of focus for the company”.

Last year, the company sold 13 million cases of IMFL.

More Stories on : New Projects | Breweries

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