- Ground breaks Asia’s Largest Malt Distillery and Maturation Facility
Pernod Ricard India conducted the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony (ground-breaking ritual), for setting up its largest malt distillery and maturation facility in Asia, to be situated in Butibori in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The ceremony comes on the back of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that they signed with the Government of Maharashtra on 23rd February 2024, and is being considered as the first-step in that realization. The projected investment of the facility is Rs. 1,785 crore over a span of 10 years.
Since the signing of the MoU, Pernod Ricard India has already committed approximately Rs. 100 crore, including land costs, as an essential first step in advancing the project. The company has already made progress on operational and construction planning. The design and layout of the facility has been finalized with efforts being aligned 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.
The project is poised to generate direct employment for 700 to 800 people, with indirect job opportunities expected throughout the region. It will also provide farmers with new avenues to cultivate high-quality barley. Additionally, the initiative focuses on skill development and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation within local communities.
The facility will use 100% renewable electricity, biomass from agricultural waste, and adopt water-positive measures to minimize its ecological footprint.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri 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.”
Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India remarked, “The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony is a significant milestone that highlights our unwavering dedication to India’s growth story. 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.”
