Radico Khaitan Debuts Indian Spirits at Major UK Airport Duty-Free Shops

Radico Khaitan has achieved a notable breakthrough by introducing its collection of Indian luxury spirits at four prominent airports in the United Kingdom. This move establishes the company as the first Indian spirits brand to be featured across major UK airport duty-free stores, signaling an important advance in its Global Travel Retail (GTR) strategy.

The premium offerings now available to international travelers include Rampur Indian Single Malt Double Cask, Rampur Asava, Rampur Barrel Blush, and Sangam World Malt. These brands can be found at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham airports, providing global consumers direct access to high-end Indian spirits in key travel hubs.

This expansion into UK airports aligns with Radico Khaitan's broader growth objectives, particularly in the premium and luxury segment. The company’s focus on premiumization is evident from its FY26 financial data, where the 'Prestige & Above' portfolio accounted for 70.3% of the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) value. This shift reflects the increasing demand for sophisticated, high-quality products within the Indian spirits market and abroad.

Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan, commented on the development, emphasizing that the international expansion is not just about increasing airport presence. He stated, "Our international ambition is not simply about increasing the number of airports in which we operate. 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."

He further described this milestone as an essential step in their mission to introduce Indian luxury spirits to a wider audience. The Global Travel Retail sector offers a unique platform to engage with consumers from all over the world, allowing Radico Khaitan to highlight the richness, diversity, and improving quality of Indian spirits.

The company’s entrance into these major UK airports taps into a growing trend of premiumization in the global spirits market. Travelers increasingly seek authentic and artisanal products that offer a story and heritage connected to their origins. By placing its luxury Indian brands in these strategic locations, Radico Khaitan is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand and increase international recognition of Indian-made spirits.

The UK market, with its heavy international traffic and diverse consumer base, serves as an important gateway for brands aiming to expand their global footprint. Airports like Heathrow and Gatwick are among the busiest in Europe, attracting millions of passengers every year. Being present in such venues allows Radico Khaitan to reach a wide audience, including connoisseurs, tourists, and business travelers.

Radico Khaitan’s journey reflects a broader movement within the Indian alcoholic beverage industry, where premium and luxury segments are gaining traction. As consumer preferences evolve, brands that emphasize quality, heritage, and craftsmanship are finding greater opportunities both domestically and internationally.

With this strategic placement of its Rampur and Sangam whisky variants at key UK airports, Radico Khaitan not only raises the profile of its own portfolio but also promotes Indian spirits on the global stage. This development may encourage other Indian brands to explore international travel retail channels as an avenue for growth.

Overall, Radico Khaitan’s expansion into UK duty-free shops underscores the rising global interest in Indian premium spirits and the company’s commitment to showcasing the country’s rich distilling traditions to a worldwide audience.