United Spirits Limited (Diageo India) announced an investment of INR 31.5 crores to acquire a strategic minority stake in Nao Spirits and Beverages. Upon completion of the investment, Diageo India will hold 22.5% of the equity share capital of the company on a fully diluted basis and a call option to acquire the remaining shares on pre-agreed principles.
Launched in 2016 by Anand Virmani, with the dream of bringing an Indian botanical infused gin to the world, Nao Spirits is an emerging craft gin company in India with ‘Greater Than’ and ’Hapusa’ brands. Greater Than, India’s first craft gin, is made from 9 botanicals from India and around the world and is the only London Dry Gin from South Asia recognized by the Gin Guild, UK. Awarded gold at the Asian Gin Masters Awards 2021 and silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2018.
Luxury gin Hapusa is a craft gin made with foraged Himalayan Juniper and botanicals such as fresh turmeric, Gondhoraj peel and raw mango which are native to India, to create a bold and earthy gin. It has been awarded gold at the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2021, UK and double gold at the SIP Awards 2020, USA.
Hina Nagarajan, MD and CEO, Diageo India, commented, “Over the last three years, the Indian market has witnessed the emergence of multiple craft gin players and Nao Spirits has been a game changer in the category. Our team is deeply committed to supporting Anand Virmani, Aparajita Ninan and Abhinav Rajput, who will continue to run the business, to deliver Nao’s vision of placing Indian craft gin amongst the world’s most coveted craft spirits.”
Anand Virmani, Co-Founderand CEO of Nao Spirits and Beverages commented, “We are delighted to partner with a company like Diageo which has supported craft spirits brands. This investment is a validation of the hard work, creativity, grit and passion of our team. As we look to chart the next phase of growth of Nao Spirits, the investment from Diageo India will help scale our business, improve efficiencies, and access mentorship from an industry leader, which will be immensely valuable.”
The investment will be funded through Diageo India’s internal cash resources.
