Indian spirits producer Piccadily Agro Industries, the maker of the Indri single malt Indian whisky, has secured approval from HMRC to build a new distillery in Scotland, marking a significant milestone for the company and the Indian alco-bev industry.
A Bold Move into Scotch Territory
Delhi-based Piccadily Agro Industries is set to invest INR 10 billion (£93 million) into expanding its operations both in India and Scotland to cater to rising demand for its premium spirits, including Indri single malt whisky and Camikara rum, crafted entirely from cane juice.
The company’s Scottish venture will establish a 58-acre (23.5-hectare) distillery in Portavadie, located on Scotland’s picturesque western coast. According to a stock exchange filing, the publicly listed firm emphasized that this represents an “industry-first for any Indian alco-bev company,” enabling Piccadily to create Scotch-style malts on Scottish soil while elevating India’s profile in the global premium whisky market.
Global Expansion Goals
Piccadily Industries operates three distilleries in India, with its flagship Indri single malt produced at its Haryana site in northern India. The company also has plans to expand operations domestically, with production enhancements at its Indri distillery and the development of a new facility in Chhattisgarh in central India.
Beyond distillation, Piccadily is scaling up its warehousing and coopering capabilities. By adding 12 new warehouses and accommodating 60,000 additional barrels, it aims to bring its total barrel capacity to 100,000. The company currently produces 12,000 liters of malt spirit daily, amounting to an annual capacity of four million liters.
Elevating Indian Whisky on a Global Stage
Piccadily’s foray into Scotland underscores India’s increasing influence in the premium whisky industry, a sector traditionally dominated by Scotch and other Western players. By establishing a base in Scotland, Piccadily positions itself not just as an exporter of Indian spirits but as a global contender in whisky production.
The company’s Indri whisky, known for its complex flavors, and Camikara rum, celebrated for its purity, have already gained a foothold in international markets. This new Scottish venture is expected to further bolster Piccadily’s standing and diversify its offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences worldwide.
