Indian single malt whisky Godawan reached the UK market

Diageo India has launched Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from Rajasthan, into the UK market, marking a significant step for Indian craft spirits globally. Produced at the AWS-certified Alwar Distillery, Godawan is made from locally sourced six-row barley, supporting sustainable agriculture. Godawan has won over 65 international awards, including Best Single Malt at the 2024 London Spirits Competition. India ranks 40th in alcoholic beverage exports, with significant untapped potential.

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Diageo India has launched Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from Rajasthan, in the UK, marking a significant step in the promotion of Indian craft spirits globally. Godawan, produced at Diageo’s Alwar Distillery, is crafted using locally sourced six-row barley, supporting sustainable agriculture in the region. The distillery is Asia’s only Alliance for Water Stewardship certified facility, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Godawan the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), an endangered bird known locally as Godawan, reflects Diageo’s greater commitment to environmental management and biodiversity conservation. As part of the conservation project, it has rehabilitated water bodies in six villages, establishing nesting habitat, and is raising awareness in local communities about Godawan conservation.

India now ranks 40th in the world for alcoholic beverage exports, and some analysts believe that the country has enormous untapped export potential. The global market for Indian spirits is expanding, creating opportunities for expansion.

Godawan has earned over 65 international accolades, including the title of Best Single Malt at the London Spirits Competition and Spirits Business World Whisky Masters 2024. With an investment of over INR 200 crore under the Make in India initiative, the whisky’s launch in the UK represents a key milestone in showcasing Indian craftsmanship on a global stage.

Debra Crew, CEO of Diageo Plc, added, “Diageo is committed to supporting India’s long-term economic development, and the launch of Godawan in the UK represents a landmark moment for Indian craft spirits. With its distinctive quality and exceptional craftsmanship, we’re excited to introduce this award-winning Indian single malt to the UK market. We will continue to invest in innovation and manufacturing excellence in India as part of our long-term strategy.”

Diageo India participated in the International Food and Drinks Event (IFE), London, in March 2024 under the ambit of APEDA and took promotions of Godawan. This worked in launching Godawan in the UK and commencing exports to the UK.