India is not just a high-growth consumer market. It is also cementing its reputation as a major producer of world-class spirits. Our commitment to the ‘Make in India’ vision is a vibrant testament to this transformation.

As Pernod Ricard India celebrates three decades, shaping the future of the alco-bev industry in India and becoming the secondlargest player in the global market, how would you describe your journey with the company and its evolution in India?

Our journey in India has been quite phenomenal and rewarding. We began with Seagram's but over a period of 30 years, not only have we grown as a business, we have also played a pivotal role in shaping the alco-bev industry in the country. Today, India stands as our Group's second-largest market, which only highlights the immense potential this diverse, youth-driven market holds.

From 24 manufacturing units spread across 27 states to a presence in over 85,000 outlets, our footprint is deeply embedded across India's economic and cultural fabric. Our brands, including Royal Stag, Blenders Pride, and 100 Pipers, have become household names, synonymous with celebration and quality.

As a 'glocal' company, over 97% of our portfolio continues to be locally produced, blending global expertise with indigenous craftsmanship. This journey has been primarily driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue driving business imperatives such as premiumization, sustainability, and economic growth in the country.

As a ‘glocal’ company, over 97% of our portfolio continues to be locally produced, blending global expertise with indigenous craftsmanship.

With the alco-bev industry contributing approximately 2% to India's GDP, how is Pernod Ricard India driving economic momentum and contributing to India's economic growth story? PRI's €200 million investment in the Nagpur malt distillery certainly marks a significant step in this direction.

Pernod Ricard India is deeply committed to fuelling India's economic growth by supporting the government's 'Make in India' mission. Our contribution to the exchequer stands at nearly ????20,000 crores, supporting close to 900,000 jobs, of which 600,000 are rooted in agriculture. We are proud to be a key player in India's manufacturing and agricultural economy as we create a multiplier effect across numerous sectors.

Our €200 million investment in the Nagpur malt distillery is a monumental step in this direction. This facility, our largest in Asia, will not only enhance India's standing in the global malt landscape but also catalyze rural economic empowerment. By sourcing 5,000 tons of barley per month from local farmers, we are strengthening agricultural supply chains and generating employment opportunities in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region.

By relentlessly investing in infrastructure, innovation, and talent development, we aim to position India as a world-class producer of premium spirits while catalyzing sustainable economic progress.

The global alco-bev landscape is evolving, with premiumization and wellness trends reshaping consumer expectations. In this dynamic environment, how is Pernod Ricard India harnessing innovation to not only meet these shifting preferences but also solidify its position as a global leader in premium spirits within the Indian market?

Consumer preferences in India are undergoing a significant transformation. There is a greater acceptance for alcohol as societal perceptions are gradually changing. Secondly, millennial and Gen Z consumers are demanding better experiences and premium products. At Pernod Ricard India, we have been at the forefront of this shift by continuously and consciously innovating our product portfolio.

Take, for instance, our homegrown brand, Longitude 77, a signature Indian single malt that embodies innovation and quality. This launch challenges conventional perceptions of Indian spirits and positions India as a formidable player in the global premium spirits ecosystem.

Beyond product innovation, we are redefining the drinking experience by focusing on sustainability, responsible consumption, and premiumization. By masterfully combining the best of global expertise with local craftsmanship, we are sculpting the future of India's alco-bev industry while reinforcing our leadership in the premium spirits segment.

As sustainability becomes a business imperative, how do you envision Pernod Ricard India's commitment to sustainability in the alco-bev sector?

Sustainability is not just a buzzword at Pernod Ricard India; it is a core business mandate. It is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to reducing carbon emissions by 33% per unit of production by 2030, demonstrating our dedication to environmental stewardship as an operational imperative.

One of our industry-first initiatives #OneForOurPlanet eliminates the use of permanent mono-cartons, and has led to an annual reduction of 7,310 tonnes of carbon emissions, thereby saving 250,000 trees.

From water conservation efforts to energy-efficient manufacturing processes, we are integrating sustainability across the entire length and breadth of our value chain. Our goal is to not only minimize our ecological footprint but also set a benchmark for responsible business practices in the alco-bev industry.

Corporate Social Responsibility is increasingly shaping the way businesses give back to society. How does Pernod Ricard India weave CSR into its values, and what initiatives are making a real difference on the ground?

At Pernod Ricard India, we believe in creating impact beyond business, and in creating shared impact with all our stakeholders. Our CSR initiatives are designed to bring lasting and meaningful change to communities across India.

With a footprint spanning 1,600 villages across 22 states, our 285 community-focused programs have positively impacted 3.6 million lives. Our interventions span critical areas such as education, skill development, healthcare, and community infrastructure.

Our commitment to welfare and upholding social values are deeply ingrained in our ethos which ensures that we grow responsibly while uplifting the communities we operate in.

For instance, our flagship community program WAL (Water, Agriculture, Livelihoods) has helped save over 4,ooo litres of water through the creation of 2,000+ water recharge structures. This program ensures we continue to be a water positive company, replenishing 2.6 times more water than we use.

Our sports related programs in Maharashtra like 'Raftaar' for training of sprinters and a boxer training initiative with the Mary Kom Foundation aims to nurture talented sports persons from underprivileged communities, so they can make India proud someday.

With India on track to become a $64 billion alcobev market, its influence on the global spirits landscape is more significant than ever. How do you see India's role evolving in this dynamic ecosystem? Beyond being a key consumer market, what strategic steps is Pernod Ricard India taking to position the country as a creator of world-class spirits on the global stage?

India is not just a high-growth consumer market. It is also cementing its reputation as a major producer of world-class spirits. Our commitment to the 'Make in India' vision is a vibrant testament to this transformation. With over 97% of our portfolio being locally produced, we pride on our ability to blend international expertise with Indian craftsmanship to create premium spirits that are loved and appreciated globally.

Our Seagram whiskies are exported across 50+ markets, playing a pivotal role in India's ambition to reach $1 billion in alcoholic beverage exports. The launch of Longitude 77 further re-emphasizes India's capability to produce premium spirits that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.

Strategically, our investments in state-of-the-art distilleries and sustainable sourcing will ensure that India continues to grow as a powerhouse in the global alco-bev industry. 'Make in India, for the world' is our vision.

Pernod Ricard India's philosophy of “Good Times from a Good Place” reflects a commitment to both celebration and responsibility. How does this philosophy guide your leadership decisions, and how do you ensure it permeates every level of your organization?

Our philosophy of “Good Times from a Good Place” is at the heart of everything we do and is founded on crafting unforgettable experiences while promoting responsibility and sustainability.

This noble ethos guides our leadership in multiple ways. Whether it is through our investments in sustainability, our commitment to responsible consumption, or our dedication to community development, we ensure that all our business decisions align with this vision.

Internally, we have cultivated a culture where every team member embodies this philosophy. From ethical sourcing and sustainable manufacturing to premiumization and social responsibility, we seek to instil a sense of purpose across every level of our organization.

Ultimately, our objective revolves around shared value creation; not just for our business, but for our consumers, communities, and the planet. By staying true to this philosophy, we are shaping an industry that is truly innovative and responsible, both by design and function.

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