Founded in 1943, Radico Khaitan Limited (formerly Rampur Distillery & Chemical Company Ltd.) began operations in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh as a major bulk-spirits supplier. Over its 75+ year history, RKL has grown into one of India’s oldest and largest Indian-Made-Foreign-Liquor
Founded in 1943, Radico Khaitan Limited (formerly Rampur Distillery & Chemical Company Ltd.) began operations in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh as a major bulk-spirits supplier. Over its 75+ year history, RKL has grown into one of India’s oldest and largest Indian-Made-Foreign-Liquor (IMFL) manufacturers, spanning whisky, vodka, rum, brandy and gin.In 1998, RKL made the strategic leap from being a bulk supplier to launching its own branded business with the iconic 8 PM Whisky, marking its entry into the full-fledged branded-IMFL space.Key HighlightsAmong India’s largest IMFL manufacturers, with category coverage across whisky, vodka, rum, brandy and gin.Entire brand portfolio developed organically and in-house, highlighting strong internal innovation, R&D capability and consumer-insight driven culture.Portfolio of 15+ brands, including millionaire-brands Strong presence in niche high-barrier business channels like the defence/Canteen Stores Department (CSD) segment.Global export footprint: products sold in over 85 countries.Manufacturing & distribution scale: two principal distilleries (Rampur UP & Aurangabad Maharashtra JV) and 28 bottling units nationwide, with total capacity exceeding 157 million litres.Business & Brand EvolutionStarted as Rampur Distillery focusing on Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) and bulk supply to other manufacturers.In 1998-99, launched own branded product lines (e.g., 8 PM Whisky) and pivoted into the branded spirits business.Over time expanded into white spirits (vodka), dark spirits (whisky/rum/brandy) and premium/craft segments (single malt whisky, craft gin).Leveraged its manufacturing backbone + pan-India bottling/distribution footprint + export reach to serve domestic market (including CSD), premiumisation trends and international markets.Why Join Radico Khaitan?Rich legacy & strong brandÂequity: Work with a company that has built a trusted leadership position in the Indian IMFL sector.Innovation & brand-building: RKL emphasises internal development of brands and expansion into premium/exports — great for roles in marketing, manufacturing, operations, R&D.Scale and diversity: With multiple manufacturing locations, bottling units, pan-India reach and export operations, the exposure across function and geography is significant.Growth orientation: As Indian spirits market continues to premiumise, a business like RKL offers strong upside and evolving opportunity.Key Brands to Know8 PM – the flagship and first branded launch from RKL.Magic Moments – one of India’s leading vodka brands under RKL’s portfolio.Contessa & Old Admiral – millionaire-brands in the dark-spirits category.Premium / craft category examples: Rampur Indian Single Malt Whisky, Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin — reflecting RKL’s move into high-margin, niche segments.
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