Portavadie, Scotland – Piccadily Agro Industries (PAIL), the Indian producer of Indri single malt whisky and Camikara rum, is set to expand its footprint internationally with the construction of a new distillery in Scotland. The company, known for its premium alcoholic beverages, has secured the approval of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for the project, which is poised to make waves in the global spirits industry.
A Strategic Investment for Global Expansion
The proposed distillery will be located on a sprawling 58-acre site in Portavadie, Scotland, and forms part of PAIL’s broader strategy to meet the growing global demand for its premium products. With a planned total investment of Rs10 billion ($118.4 million), the company aims to significantly boost its production capabilities in both India and Scotland.
PAIL’s Scottish venture is touted as an industry-first for any Indian alcohol beverage company, with the new distillery positioning the company as a key player in the premium whisky market globally. The move is expected to enhance India’s presence in the competitive world of Scotch-style malts, helping to establish the nation as a significant producer of high-quality spirits.
Expansion Plans in India
In addition to its international foray, PAIL is also ramping up its operations in India. The company plans to complete the first phase of its expansion at the Indri plant in Haryana by early 2025, which will increase its production capacity to 250 kilolitres per day (KLPD). The expansion will also boost its warehousing capacity to over 100,000 barrels.
Further south, in Chhattisgarh, PAIL will build a new facility with a production capacity of 210 KLPD, split between ethanol (180 KLPD) and malt (30 KLPD) production. This is part of a larger initiative to increase overall production capacity to 460 KLPD, including 60 KLPD of malt spirits, in order to meet both domestic and international demand for the company’s premium offerings.
Long-Term Vision for the Spirits Industry
Siddhartha Sharma, the promoter of Piccadily Agro Industries, expressed confidence that this expansion would not only scale operations but also reshape the future of premium Indian alco-bev spirits on a global stage. He emphasized that PAIL’s strategy would help solidify India’s position as a producer of high-quality spirits.
“We are not just increasing production; we’re setting the stage for Indian spirits to be recognized globally,” said Sharma.
Funding and Growth Prospects
To fund the expansion, PAIL secured Rs2.62 billion through a preferential allotment from investors in September. Additionally, the company’s promoters have infused Rs5 billion into the business. The remaining funding will be raised through a mix of internal accruals and debt, ensuring PAIL is well-positioned to bring its ambitious expansion plans to fruition.
