Radico Khaitan sets sights on Scotland to secure malt whisky supplies

Radico Khaitan Ltd. has incorporated a Scotland-based subsidiary to explore opportunities in whisky distillation, maturation and trading, as the Indian spirits maker seeks to strengthen its malt whisky supply chain and expand overseas operations.

Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director, told The Hindu that the company had established Radico Khaitan Scotland Ltd. to evaluate opportunities in the country but was not pursuing any specific distillery acquisition at present.

“The Scotland initiative is also aimed at addressing the company’s growing requirement for mature malt spirit,” he said.

The proposed presence is expected to provide greater flexibility in sourcing, maturation and storage of malt spirit. However, Mr. Khaitan clarified that the move would not alter the Indian provenance of its Rampur single malt whisky.

“Rampur will continue to be distilled and matured in India, with its identity linked to the climate and provenance of the Himalayan foothills,” he said.

The expansion comes as the company seeks to diversify its export markets. Its brands are currently available in more than 100 countries, with Africa, Asia-Pacific and travel retail identified as key growth areas.

“Recent disruptions in the West Asia and Gulf corridor highlighted the risks of concentration in individual markets,” he said, adding that the company was working to strengthen distribution across other regions.

Radico Khaitan reported net revenue of more than ₹6,000 crore in FY26. Its Prestige & Above portfolio contributed 46% of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) volumes and around 70% of value sales during the year.

The premium portfolio maintained its momentum in the first quarter of FY27, with volumes growing 35.8% to 5.22 million cases. Its contribution rose to 53% of IMFL volumes and 77% of value sales.

Mr. Khaitan said the company was relying on product mix, manufacturing efficiencies and operating leverage to manage cost pressures, including higher glass packaging and freight expenses. Its captive extra neutral alcohol (ENA) capacity of 321 million litres would provide additional manufacturing support.

Beyond whisky, the company is expanding its premium spirits portfolio through D’YAVOL Spirits, its partnership with Shah Rukh Khan, his associates and Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath. The venture is preparing to enter the tequila segment, with the product to be bottled in Mexico.

In the domestic market, Radico Khaitan is targeting stronger growth in South India, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, through premium retail outlets, hotels, restaurants and high-end on-trade channels for brands such as Rampur and Jaisalmer.