Tag Archives: Allied Blenders and Distillers

Allied Blenders and Distillers Launch ICONiQ Winter Whisky in New Territories

Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) has announced the expansion of its successful brand ICONiQ with the launch of ICONiQ Winter International Grain Whisky in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Building on the consumer response in Maharashtra, this launch marks the next chapter in ABD’s journey.

ICONiQ continues to deliver growth, doubling both its volumes and market share this year in the prestige whisky category. In Uttar Pradesh, ICONiQ is now the No. 2 brand, having crossed 1 million cases in just the first five months of this financial year. The brand witnessed significant improvement in market share in both the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, according to an ABD press release.

ICONiQ Winter is India’s first whisky designed specifically for the winter months. The blend combines real spices such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, and ginger with select Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits. Aged in Bourbon Oak Casks, the whisky delivers a rich, smooth profile with toasted notes and a lingering, cozy finish. It captures the essence of winter through a perfect balance of warmth, comfort, and celebration, appealing to discerning consumers seeking something new yet familiar.

Alok Gupta, Managing Director at ABD, added, “ICONiQ Winter reflects our belief in innovation and understanding consumer preferences. Northern India, with its vibrant festive culture and appreciation for fine spirits, provides the ideal setting for this seasonal creation. We aim to keep the whisky experience dynamic and exciting for evolving consumers. With ICONiQ Winter, we bring warmth and craftsmanship together in a bottle that truly celebrates the season.”

In Uttar Pradesh the brand makes its debut and is priced at ₹620 for 750 ml and ₹160 for 180 ml. In Haryana, it will be available at ₹570 for 750 ml and ₹170 for 180 ml.

RANGEELA Vodka marks a vibrant debut for ABD Maestro and Co-Founder Ranveer Singh

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ABD Maestro has announced the launch of its homegrown contemporary spirit — RANGEELA Vodka, co-created with Ranveer Singh.

Priced at ₹2,400 for 750ML in Maharashtra, RANGEELA will be available across select outlets in the state, followed by roll outs in Goa, West Bengal, and key northern markets in the coming months.

The RANGEELA vodka is conceptualised under Ranveer Singh’s creative direction and much like him screams vibrant and expressive. The brand also draws inspiration from India’s colourful personality, lively, confident, and unapologetically bold, while aligning with the growing trend of premiumisation and cocktail experimentation among young Indian consumers.

The vodka is triple-distilled and platinum chill-filtered for exceptional smoothness and clarity, combining world-class technique with Indian flair.

Commenting on the launch, Ranveer Singh, Co-Founder and Creative Partner, ABD Maestro, shared,

“RANGEELA celebrates the spirit of India — colourful, creative, and full of life. It’s for those who express themselves freely and live with unfiltered energy.”

Bikram Basu, Managing Director, ABD Maestro, added,

“With Ranveer as Co-Founder and Creative Partner, RANGEELA aims to set a new benchmark for Indian vodka. It combines superior quality with innovative design and communication that celebrates colour, character, and fun — created for India and the world.”

With its vibrant design, smooth texture, and creative positioning, RANGEELA Vodka marks a bold new chapter for ABD Maestro, reaffirming the brand’s place at the forefront of India’s premium vodka movement. Stay tuned for a review.

Allied Blenders & Distillers Expands Manufacturing with PET Unit, Bets Big on Single Malt

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Allied Blenders & Distillers Ltd (ABD) has commissioned a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle manufacturing facility at its integrated complex in Rangapur in Telangana. With an annual capacity of over 600 million bottles, the new plant is equipped with robotics, automation, recycling, and energy-saving technologies—part of the company’s backward integration strategy to boost self-reliance and cut costs.

The inauguration was led by founder Kishore Rajaram Chhabria, alongside managing director Alok Gupta and executive director Arun Barik. “This facility will significantly strengthen our supply chain while improving profitability through savings in logistics and packaging costs,” said Gupta.

The Rangapur complex is among ABD’s flagship assets, housing a 65-million-litre extra neutral alcohol (ENA) distillery, an Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) bottling unit, and now, the PET facility. Regulatory approval was recently granted to increase grain spirit production to 615 lakh bulk litres per year.

In addition, the site is witnessing fresh investment with the setup of a single malt whisky plant at an outlay of ₹75 crore. The facility, expected to commence production by the end of this fiscal year, will mark ABD’s entry into the premium single malt segment. Once distilled, the whisky will mature for at least three years before hitting the market—meaning ABD’s first single malt is expected post-2029.

Betting on Premiumisation and Global Demand

Alok Gupta highlighted that single malt whisky is one of the fastest-growing categories globally, and Indian brands are gaining traction with international accolades. “This will be a fascinating opportunity for ABD as Indian single malts have captured the imagination of global consumers.”

The company already exports to 27 countries and plans to expand its footprint to 35 markets. Exports currently contribute 8% of ABD’s topline.

ABD has also recently introduced five luxury brands since January 2024, diversifying beyond its mass-market Officer’s Choice whisky and Zoya premium gin. Historically known for its sub-₹1,000 price segment, ABD is now positioning itself to compete head-on with international premium players.

Capex-Driven Growth Story

ABD is in the midst of a ₹527 crore capital expenditure programme aimed at operational efficiency, premiumisation, and capacity expansion. About 25% of this investment was completed in FY24, with 60% earmarked for FY25 and the remainder in FY26. The spend will also support the company’s plan to expand total distillation capacity from 71 million litres per annum (mlpa) to 121 mlpa by FY27.

According to Gupta, these investments are expected to lift EBITDA margins from 7.5% to 17% and improve return on capital from 18% to above 20% by FY28. ABD has guided for 14–15% annualised growth in net sales over the next three fiscals, projecting its topline to double in just over five years.

Beyond expansion, ABD continues to embed sustainability in operations. The Rangapur site incorporates water recycling, biomass fuel handling, and energy-efficient automation across production. These measures not only reduce environmental impact, but also improve cost structures, complementing the company’s growth-driven investments.

Listed on Indian stock exchanges in July 2024, ABD reported revenues of ₹3,541 crore in FY25. With backward integration through packaging, aggressive capex in distillation, and a strategic push into single malt, the company is betting on premiumisation and global growth to shape its next decade.

“Consumers are upgrading, regulations are becoming more supportive, and Indian spirits are getting their due recognition globally,” Gupta said. “We see this as the perfect time for ABD to expand beyond our traditional base and build a strong premium portfolio for India and the world.”

ABD Launches Golden Mist French Brandy

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Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD), India’s 3rd largest spirits company by volume, has launched Golden Mist French Brandy in Karnataka. With this introduction, ABD marks its entry into the fast-growing prestige brandy segment.

Golden Mist combines French craftsmanship with Indian expertise to deliver a smooth and rich blend. As part of the ABD portfolio, Golden Mist strengthens the company’s non-whisky premium offerings, reinforcing its commitment to diversifying and elevating its overall product range.

The prestige brandy segment in Karnataka is growing at 13.1%, significantly outpacing the overall brandy category’s high single-digit growth. Golden Mist enters the market at a time when consumers are actively seeking authentic, high-quality offerings in the mid-premium range.

Golden Mist is crafted for today’s discerning consumers who seek tradition with sophistication and elevated taste experiences. Aged in French oak casks for a crafted feel, the brandy offers a deep amber colour, a smooth and luxurious texture, and a flavour profile that balances grape notes with hints of liquorice, honey, and subtle spice.

The brand also introduces a distinctive packaging innovation with its 180 ml Hippy pack, making it the only brand in its segment to offer this option alongside traditional glass bottles. The Hippy pack, designed in an elegant gold colour, recognises the deep connect with southern culture and enhances Golden Mist’s position as a standout offering in the prestige brandy segment.

Alok Gupta, Managing Director of Allied Blenders and Distillers, said, “Golden Mist represents everything the evolving Indian consumer is asking for; heritage, authenticity, and a superior taste experience, all delivered at an attractive price. We’ve drawn from traditional French brandy-making methods while crafting a product that resonates with Indian palates. This launch is in line with the organisational aim of bolstering our presence in the Prestige and Above segment.”

Golden Mist is available across Karnataka in four different pack sizes. The 750 ml bottle is priced at ₹970, the 375 ml at ₹485, the 180 ml at ₹235 (available in both a glass bottle and the unique Hippy pack), and the 90 ml at ₹120.