Radico Khaitan Brings Indian Whisky to UK Airport Duty-Free Shops
The spirits company becomes the first Indian brand to stock four major British airports, targeting global travelers with premium single malts and blended offeri
Radico Khaitan Limited has secured shelf space across Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham airports, marking the first presence of Indian spirit brands in duty-free shops at these four terminals. The New Delhi-based spirits company will distribute Rampur Indian Single Malt Double Cask, Rampur Asava, Rampur Barrel Blush and Sangam World Malt through the channel, as part of a broader global travel retail expansion strategy.
The four airports collectively processed more than 170 million passengers in 2025, with Heathrow accounting for approximately 84.5 million, Gatwick for approximately 42.8 million, Manchester for approximately 32.1 million and Birmingham for approximately 13.7 million. The distribution agreement represents a significant bet on the airport retail channel, where international travelers with higher disposable incomes typically make purchasing decisions.
Radico Khaitan's global travel retail footprint now spans over 65 duty-free locations globally, with the company targeting expansion to more than 100 locations. The move follows strong financial performance: in FY26, net revenue reached approximately ₹6,050 crore, with Indian made foreign liquor volumes climbing 22% to 38.3 million cases. The company's Prestige & Above portfolio contributed 70.3% of IMFL value in FY26, underscoring a strategic shift toward higher-margin products. In the first quarter of FY27, the company reported its highest quarterly revenue of approximately ₹1,684 crore, EBITDA of ₹348 crore at a 20.7% margin, and 36% growth in the Prestige & above portfolio.
Managing Director Abhishek Khaitan framed the expansion as more than a volume play. "Our international ambition is not simply about increasing the number of airports in which we operate," he said. "It is about building meaningful brand presence and ensuring that Indian spirits are experienced in the right environments, by consumers who appreciate provenance, craftsmanship and distinctive character."
The Rampur portfolio draws on production at the Rampur Distillery, established in 1943 in the Himalayan foothills. Radico Khaitan positions the expressions as distinct from Scotch whisky rather than competitive with it. Sanjeev Banga, President of International Business, stated: "We are not asking the world to choose between Scotch and Indian whisky. We are simply making sure that Indian whisky gets a seat at the table."
The airport placement signals broader momentum in Indian spirits' international positioning, with travel retail expected to become a critical driver of brand awareness and consumer trial among affluent global audiences.