The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry
.png)
.jpg)
Diageo India (United Spirits Limited) has announced the acquisition of a majority controlling stake in Nao Spirits, the Indian craft distiller behind popular gin brands Greater Than and Hapusa.
The deal, valued at INR 130 crore (approximately $15.2 million), will see Nao Spirits become a subsidiary of Diageo India.
Founded in 2017 by Anand Virmani, Nao Spirits develops premium Indian craft spirits using native botanicals. Greater Than, India’s first craft gin, is made with nine botanicals sourced both locally and internationally, while Hapusa, its super-premium sibling, stands out as one of the few gins globally made with wild Himalayan juniper.
Recently, the company has expanded into rum with the launch of its flagship rum product, Pipa: an aged, spiced expression crafted from jaggery spirit and matured in imported casks for a year.
Praveen Someshwar, MD and CEO of Diageo India, said: “Ventures, Diageo India’s investment arm, is focused on identifying and scaling disruptive alco-bev start-ups that align with evolving consumer preferences".
"With Nao Spirits, we see an opportunity to scale a homegrown success story and offer consumers high-quality, locally crafted alternatives in the premium segment.”
The acquisition reflects Diageo’s intent to strengthen its presence within India’s fast-growing craft spirits segment, where local provenance, authenticity and innovation are becoming strong consumer drivers.
Anand Virmani, co-founder and CEO of Nao Spirits & Beverages, commented, “As India’s first craft spirits brand, born in a small Goan distillery, this acquisition by Diageo India is a powerful validation of what we’ve always believed: that India can create great craft spirits".
Virmani continued: "The investment will help us scale further with the support of Diageo India’s seasoned leadership, distribution network and production capabilities combined with our unconventional mindset and ability to stay deeply relatable to the evolving consumer".
Diageo India’s current portfolio includes a range of international and domestic brands, including Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, McDowell’s No.1 and the artisanal single malt Godawan. The addition of Nao Spirits enhances its premium offerings and adds an authentic local edge to its gin portfolio.