The Government of Maharashtra and Pernod Ricard India, a global leader in the wine and spirits industry, on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up one of the biggest malt spirit distilleries in India, in Butibori in the district. Furthering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Make in India’, Pernod Ricard India plans an investment up to 200 M€ in the decade. The MoU was singed in presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis; Minister of Industries Uday Samant; Principal Secretary Industries Dr Harshdeep Kamble; Commissioner Excise Vijay Suryawanshi along with Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India; Prasanna Mohile, National Corporate Affairs Head, Pernod Ricard India and Gagandeep Sethi, Senior VP, Integrated Operations, Pernod Ricard India.

 

With the commissioning of this distillery, Pernod Ricard India aims to employ a workforce up to 700 to 800. This commitment extends not only to the construction phase of the distillery but also encompasses the post-commissioning operations of the plant. Beyond the immediate impact, this is poised to create a ripple effect, positively influencing indirect employment opportunities throughout the region. Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis said “We are delighted that Pernod Ricard India shares our vision to invest in the economic and skill development of the region and the country. The foundation of this distillery will assist in creating strong avenues for employment and aid in spurring growth of ancillary industries and services.

 

And most importantly this would serve as a platform of opportunities for thousands of farmers of the region to attain steady income and bring agricultural diversity and stability.” Jean Touboul, CEO, Pernod Ricard India, said, “This initiative is in continuation of our dedicated efforts to ‘Make and Innovate’ in India and we are confident that it will elevate India’s standing on the global map, as a key player in the production of high-quality malt. Further, the foundation of the plant will aim to provide local entrepreneurs and the farmer community with new avenues of growth.”