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Pernod Ricard has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Maharashtra to build "one of the biggest" malt distilleries in India. The distillery will be established in India's industrial suburb of Butibori in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Pernod said that it plans to invest up to €200 million in the facility, over the next decade. With the opening of the distillery, Pernod expects to employ up to 800 workers, covering both the construction phase and the ongoing operations of the plant. The company highlighted that this is expected to create "a ripple effect," positively influencing indirect employment opportunities in the region. Pernod aims to procure up to 50,000 tons of barley annually from farmers nationwide. Over time, the business plans to collaborate with the government to develop barley cultivation capabilities in Maharashtra, aiming to increase farmers' income. The malt spirit distillery will include sustainable practices and technologies in every stage of its processes from inception. Shri Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, commented: “We believe that infrastructural growth is the first step towards amplifying advancement for any state, and we are delighted that Pernod Ricard India shares our vision to invest in the economic and skill development of the region and the country". "The foundation of this distillery will assist in creating strong avenues for employment and aid in spurring growth of ancillary industries and services. And most importantly, this would serve as a platform of opportunities for thousands of farmers of the region to attain steady income and bring agricultural diversity and stability.” Jean Touboul, CEO of Pernod Ricard India, said: “We are excited to announce the launch of one of India’s biggest malt spirit distilleries, to be set up in Nagpur, in Maharashtra. This initiative is in continuation of our dedicated efforts to make and innovate in India and we are confident that it will elevate India's standing on the global map, as a key player in the production of high-quality malt." "The establishment of this distillery will provide a boost to various allied sectors in and around Nagpur and the state of Maharashtra. Further, the foundation of the plant will aim to provide local entrepreneurs and the farmer community with new avenues of growth. As a leading player in the alco-bev segment for over 30 years, inclusive and sustainable growth has been at the heart of our India strategy. We are honoured to work with the government of Maharashtra, which shares a similar vision."