William Grant & Sons enters India’s Andhra Pradesh | Food Business Middle East & Africa

INDIA – William Grant & Sons has entered Andhra Pradesh, India, expanding its distribution footprint as the family-owned spirits company seeks to strengthen its presence in strategically important growth markets. 

The launch introduces a selection of the company’s global brands to the state, including Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old and 15-Year-Old single malt whiskies, Monkey Shoulder, Hendrick’s Gin and Grant’s whisky. 

The initial phase will focus on establishing availability across priority retail and on-trade channels in key urban and commercial centres. The company plans to expand distribution across Andhra Pradesh in phases. 

The market entry forms part of William Grant & Sons’ broader India strategy to improve access to its portfolio, strengthen distribution and develop a sustained presence across premium spirits categories. 

Kartik Mohindra, managing director of William Grant & Sons India, said the state’s addition would support the company’s continued development in the country. 

“Andhra Pradesh is an important addition to our India footprint and represents the next step in the continued development of our business in the country,” Mohindra said. 

“As we expand, our focus is not simply on entering new markets, but on building them thoughtfully, with the right portfolio, strong trade partnerships and sustained investment behind our brands,” he added. 

Mohindra said the company sees long-term opportunities in the state and will focus on distribution, channel development and connecting its brands with changing consumer preferences. 

“We see meaningful long-term opportunity in Andhra Pradesh,” he said. 

“Our approach will be to build strong availability, develop the right channel mix and create relevance for our brands in a way that reflects the evolving premium spirits consumer in the state,” he added. 

William Grant & Sons will work with distributors, retailers, hotels, restaurants and other hospitality partners to establish its portfolio across retail and on-trade channels. 

The expansion aligns with the company’s wider strategy of building its presence across premium spirits categories while developing distinct roles for individual brands across markets, channels and consumer occasions. 

The move follows a challenging financial performance in 2025. William Grant & Sons reported a 13% decline in profit before tax to £337 million (US$446.5 million), compared with £388 million (US$520.6 million) in 2024. 

Turnover fell 4% to £1.758 billion (US$2.33 billion), as weaker consumer demand and trade pressures weighed on the company’s performance. 

The Andhra Pradesh launch adds another market to the company’s Indian operations as it pursues further distribution and brand development opportunities. 

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