Pernod Ricard India, a key player in the Indian spirits and wine industry, has unveiled its ambitious plan to triple revenue over the next decade by prioritizing premiumization and innovation. As part of this strategic move, the company has launched two new premium whiskies—Royal Stag Double Dark Peaty Whisky and Blenders Pride Four Elements Premium Whisky. These additions follow the successful introduction of Longitude 77, the first Indian Single Malt by Pernod Ricard.

These launches underscore Pernod Ricard India's commitment to strengthening its position in the rapidly growing premium whisky segment, which has seen evolving consumer preferences in recent years. The company aims to leverage its strong market presence, with Royal Stag and Blenders Pride already holding leadership positions in their respective categories.

India is a crucial market for the Pernod Ricard Group globally. With 97% of its portfolio produced domestically, Pernod Ricard India's strategy aligns with the government's Make in India initiative. The introduction of these two new whiskies reflects the company's commitment to "innovating in India" by offering distinctive flavors and taste profiles once exclusive to imported whiskies. As India solidifies its status as one of the largest whisky-consuming markets globally, Pernod Ricard India is poised to redefine the whisky experience for aspirational and experimental Indian consumers.

Blenders Pride Four Elements stands out with its innovative blend of four distinct styles of Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits, each representing one of the four elemental forces: Air, Water, Fire, and Earth. This results in a vibrant and intricate flavor profile, further enhanced by its packaging, designed by LOVE INTERNATIONAL (UK), which uses different colors to symbolize the Four Elements.

Meanwhile, Royal Stag Double Dark Peaty Whisky introduces a smoky blend profile, a first in its segment. It features double-distilled Scotch malts matured in dark charred American and European oak barrels, blended with select peated malt and grain neutral spirits. Its contemporary packaging, crafted by FCB India, further differentiates it in the market.

Sustainability is also at the forefront of these new products. Both feature limited use of mono-cartons during the launch phase, aligning with Pernod Ricard's sustainability commitments under the "Good Times From a Good Place" roadmap.

Kartik Mohindra, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Global Business Development at Pernod Ricard India, highlighted the significance of these launches, stating, "As one of Pernod Ricard group's top three markets, India offers significant opportunities for growth and innovation. Our newest releases, Blenders Pride Four Elements and Royal Stag Double Dark, cater to the changing whisky preferences of discerning Indian consumers. Post the successful launch of our Indian Single Malt Longitude 77, these unique line extensions demonstrate our commitment to innovation and premiumization, something we are truly thrilled about at Pernod Ricard India."

The company, deeply committed to the "Make in India" initiative, has a 30-year legacy of industry innovation and disruption. The launch of Longitude 77 marked a significant milestone in this commitment, showcasing India's capability in offering ultra-premium, authentic luxury products to the world. With a pioneering spirit, Pernod Ricard India introduced the concept of premiumization to the Indian market, setting industry benchmarks and shifting focus from volume to value-driven strategies.

These strategic launches not only reinforce Pernod Ricard India's commitment to the Indian market but also set the stage for potential global expansion. With Royal Stag available in 44 countries and Blenders Pride in 15, these brands are a testament to the global appeal of Indian spirits.

The products will be rolled out in phases, starting with Royal Stag Double Dark in Maharashtra, Assam, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, followed by Blenders Pride Four Elements in UP, Haryana, Odisha, Telangana, and Goa. A pan-India rollout is expected by December 2024.

Blenders Pride Four Elements is positioned between Blenders Pride and Blenders Pride Reserve Collection, while Royal Stag Double Dark enhances the Royal Stag family's presence in the evolving whisky landscape. These products, priced at a premium to their base variants, aim to attract new blend profile seekers and experimental consumers, establishing new benchmarks in the market.

About Pernod Ricard India

Pernod Ricard India Private Limited (PRI) is a fully owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard South Asia and is a fast-growing multinational alcohol-beverage company delivering quality products across the country. With a dynamic and premium portfolio led by Seagram's whiskies and a strong commitment to the "Make in India" initiative, Pernod Ricard India continues to set industry standards in innovation and excellence.