**Allied Blenders and Distillers Acquires Fullarton Distilleries and Expands Premium Portfolio**
New Delhi: Allied Blenders and Distillers Ltd, based in Mumbai, has secured the intellectual property rights and brands of Fullarton Distilleries Pvt Ltd, known for its pink gin, Pumori, for ₹39.50 crore, as disclosed in a recent BSE filing. This acquisition encompasses Fullarton’s well-known brands, including Woodburns Whisky, Pumori small batch gin, and Segredo Aldeia rum. The company aims to enhance its footprint in the premium alcoholic beverages market, as stated in their announcement. The transaction was finalized on January 31.
To prioritize its topline growth, Allied Blenders plans to build, acquire, and collaborate with other companies to enhance its premium-to-luxury category portfolio. Additionally, the company revealed a strategic investment in Good Barrel Distillery Pvt Ltd, a startup featuring the premium rum brand Rock Paper Rum, investing ₹9 crore for a 51% stake. The focus remains on boosting profitability through improved gross margins, a favorable brand mix, and operational efficiencies, with new brand investments expected to foster category growth.
Fullarton Distilleries is recognized for its craft spirits, particularly Pumori, which incorporates juniper berries sourced from Mount Pumori in the Himalayas. In a previous interview, Fullarton’s founder, Rajiv Thadani, emphasized the brand’s commitment to unique products, stating, “We have differentiated our blend of gin because we don’t want to compete on price. Our craft café rum, for instance, is infused with Indian coffee beans.”
This acquisition aligns with ABD India’s strategy to fortify its position in the premium drinks sector, reflecting a growing trend towards premiumisation in the Indian spirits market. Earlier reports indicated that Allied, known for Officer’s Choice whisky, ventured into the gin market with its premium brand Zoya, priced around ₹2,200. The company is focused on expanding its luxury segment portfolio, which includes products like Sterling Reserve B10, X&O, and Kyron Brandy, with Zoya gin marking its initial foray into the luxury market.
Zoya is the company’s first non-whisky premium brand, now available in six regions across India—Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, West Bengal, and Chandigarh. The brand has introduced two new flavors—watermelon and espresso coffee—and plans to launch in the UAE market this quarter. The rising demand for premium spirits in India has led several companies, including ABD India, to diversify their product offerings. Recently, the company reported operational revenue of ₹2,342.1 crore for the quarter ending December 31, reflecting growth compared to ₹2,074.9 crore in the same quarter of FY24.
