Strategic Initiative: Global Travel Retail Expansion
Radico Khaitan Limited has launched its portfolio of Indian luxury spirits across four major UK airports' duty-free shops, marking a significant milestone in its Global Travel Retail (GTR) expansion strategy. The company becomes the first Indian spirits company to achieve presence across these airports.
Airport Coverage and Passenger Volume
The premium brands are now available at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham airports. These four airports collectively handled over 170 million passengers in 2025:
- Heathrow: Approximately 84.5 million passengers (Europe's busiest airport)
- Gatwick: Approximately 42.8 million passengers
- Manchester: Approximately 32.1 million passengers
- Birmingham: Approximately 13.7 million passengers
Product Portfolio
The following premium brands are included in the UK airport expansion:
- Rampur Indian Single Malt Double Cask
- Rampur Asava
- Rampur Barrel Blush
- Sangam World Malt
Strategic Context and Performance Background
The expansion is supported by strong momentum in Radico Khaitan's premium and luxury portfolio. Key financial and operational metrics:
- FY26 Prestige & Above portfolio contributed 70.3% of IMFL value
- FY26 net revenue: Approximately ₹6,050 crore
- FY26 IMFL volumes: 38.3 million cases (up 22%)
- Q1 FY27 delivered record quarterly performance:
- Revenue: Approximately ₹1,684 crore
- EBITDA: ₹348 crore
- EBITDA margin: 20.7%
- Prestige & above portfolio growth: 36%
Current and Target Presence
The company currently has presence across over 65 duty-free locations worldwide and is targeting expansion to more than 100 locations.
Management Commentary
Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director: Emphasized that the international ambition focuses on building meaningful brand presence and showcasing Indian spirits' provenance, craftsmanship, and distinctive character to global consumers who appreciate these qualities.
Sanjeev Banga, President – International Business: Highlighted the significance of taking Indian whisky to the home of Scotch whisky, noting the opportunity to ensure Indian whisky gains recognition alongside established international brands.
Brand Heritage and Craftsmanship
The Rampur Indian Single Malt is crafted at the Rampur Distillery established in 1943, drawing on the distinctive climate of the Himalayan foothills. The portfolio offers different interpretations of Indian single malt whisky, combining Indian provenance with global standards of craftsmanship.
Forward-Looking Strategy
Global Travel Retail is expected to play an increasingly important role in Radico Khaitan's long-term international growth strategy by strengthening brand visibility, encouraging trial, and building recognition for Indian spirits among global travelers.