Pernod Ricard, one of the fastest growing multinational alcohol beverage companies, may soon announce its ambitious plan of setting up a wine maturation plant and distillery in the region to make single malt whisky. The company, which has been exploring investment opportunities in the region for the past few months, is likely to make the final announcement within the next 2 months. Sources told ‘The Hitavada’ on Friday that the strategically located Nagpur is on the top of the company’s list for the investment estimated at more than Rs 2,500 crore. Interestingly, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is taking keen interest in attracting the investment in Nagpur. Besides manufacturing single malt whisky, the company is also planning to motivate local farmers for barley farming, the agri-produce widely used for single malt whisky making.

 

The company said that barley farming will improve financial condition of many farmers. Though the company officials have been minutely studying the project feasibility at various locations, sources say that Nagpur has an edge over other places for various regions. The French manufacturer of renowned brands like Chivas, Ballantine’s, Blenders Pride and Royal Stag among others, has a sizable presence in India. It has its two distilleries and 29 bottling plants in the country. However, the proposed plant will be the company’s biggest and state-of-the-art facility in this part of the world with a capacity to create more than 1,000 jobs.

 

It is important to note that the State Government has already offered two land parcels of 75 acres and 100 acres in Butibori. Besides, in a meeting between State Industries Minister Uday Samant and the company officials held here on Thursday, the State Government has also assured to provide all possible benefits. Pernod Ricard India Private Ltd is the subsidiary of multinational alcohol beverage company Pernod Ricard SA, which is the world’s leading premium spirits company having presence in more than 160 countries.