Maharashtra, Pernod Ricard India Join Hands for Malt Spirit Distillery in Nagpur

The Maharashtra government and Pernod Ricard India, a global leader in the wine and spirits industry, have joined hands to establish a malt spirit distillery in Butibori, Maharashtra. This partnership, sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), represents a significant investment of up to 200 million euros and holds the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region.

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Key Figures Present at the Signing Ceremony

The signing ceremony was graced by prominent figures, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Minister of Industries Uday Samant, Principal Secretary Industries Harshdeep Kamble, and Jean Touboul, CEO of Pernod Ricard India. Their presence underscored the importance of this collaboration and its anticipated impact on the state's economy.

Fadnavis Highlights Benefits for Farmers

Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the positive impact this project will have on farmers. He noted that approximately 35,000 acres of farmland will benefit from the initiative, particularly through the cultivation of barley, which is known for its sustainable production practices. Fadnavis also expressed optimism about the creation of a new ecosystem that promotes value addition in the farming sector.

Maharashtra's FDI Attraction

Fadnavis further highlighted Maharashtra's growing prominence in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). He proudly stated that the state has once again emerged as a top destination for FDI, with over 45% of the country's FDI flowing into Maharashtra. This influx of investment underscores the state's attractiveness to businesses and its conducive environment for economic growth.

Pernod Ricard India's Vision for the Distillery

Pernod Ricard India envisions the distillery in Nagpur as one of the largest in India, capable of producing up to 60,000 liters of fresh malt spirit per day. This substantial capacity aligns with the company's commitment to driving growth and development in the local farming community. The investment aims to serve as an integral catalyst for socio-economic transformation in the region.

Employment Generation and Community Impact

Jean Touboul, CEO of Pernod Ricard India, emphasized the company's dedication to generating employment opportunities for the local community. The distillery is expected to create numerous direct and indirect jobs, providing a source of livelihood for the residents. Additionally, Pernod Ricard India plans to collaborate with the government and farmers to implement best practices in barley cultivation, thereby enhancing the farmers' income and positively impacting their overall well-being.

Workforce and Barley Procurement

With the establishment of the distillery, Pernod Ricard India anticipates employing a workforce of approximately 700 to 800 individuals. This significant employment generation will contribute to the region's economic growth. Furthermore, the company aims to procure up to 50,000 tons of barley annually from farmers across the nation, further bolstering the agricultural sector and supporting the livelihoods of farmers.

The partnership between the Maharashtra government and Pernod Ricard India marks a significant milestone in the state's economic development. The malt spirit distillery in Butibori holds immense promise for transforming the socio-economic landscape of the region. Through its substantial investment, Pernod Ricard India aims to drive growth, generate employment, and empower local farmers, ultimately contributing to the prosperity of Maharashtra.