Bengaluru-based liquor maker John Distilleries Ltd (JDL) expects to reach INR 2,500 crore in net revenue within five years, driven by expansion, premiumization, and capacity growth.
John Distilleries to invest INR 600 Cr to double production
According to ET, Chairman Paul P John announced plans to set up a greenfield unit in Karnataka, investing INR 600 crore to double production capacity.
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“Now, we have already reached 10,000 litres production capacity per day. But this will suffice for the next four or five years. So, we need to expand,” John said. “At the pace that we are growing and the focus that we have, we need another 12,000-litre capacity plant somewhere, and we are looking at Karnataka for that.”
Meanwhile, JDL’s revenue grew 15% in FY 2023-24, reaching INR 1,250 crore. The company exports single malt whisky to 45 countries, with 40% of revenue coming from exports.
John Distilleries considers IPO!
On IPO plans, John said, “A decision would be taken on this after some years.”
Regarding the potential impact of an India-UK free trade agreement, John noted, “For the initial years, it would be there… maybe in the initial stages, for the first few years, there will be some kind of a slight disruption.”
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However, he expressed confidence in JDL’s quality, saying, “I personally believe that the quality of my brand will stand us in good strength… We have proved it, even in their own home markets. We are winning awards compared to that. So, I welcome that.”
Further, John stressed the need for a level playing field, stating, “Our only request has been to make sure that we are also allowed to enter with our brands into their markets.”
Looking ahead, US-based Sazerac, which owns 40% of JDL, may increase its stake. John revealed plans to manufacture and sell Sazerac-owned brands in India, including BuzzBallz.
