United Spirits

United Spirits Limited is an Indian alcoholic beverage company based in Bengaluru. It ranks as the second-largest spirits company globally in terms of volume and operates as a holding company of Diageo, which holds 55.88% shareholding in the company, as of December 31, 2023.

It was originally established as a trading company named McDowell & Co. in 1926 during the pre-Independence era by Angus McDowell, it catered to the British residents in India by importing liquor, tobacco products and other consumer goods.

In 1951, United Breweries, led by Vittal Mallya, acquired McDowell & Co. and inaugurated its first distillery unit in Cherthala, Kerala. The company expanded its footprint by launching McDowell whiskey in 1968 and subsequently establishing new distillery units in Hyderabad, Ponda and Hathidah between 1968 and 1972. During the 1970s and 1980s, the UB group expanded further through acquisitions, becoming one of the most renowned distillery groups in India.

A significant milestone for the company occurred in 2005 when it partnered with Dubai-based Jumbo World Holdings Limited to jointly acquire stakes in Shaw Wallace, with the merger completed in 2008. Diageo acquired a 10% stake in United Spirits Limited in 2013, followed by subsequent share purchases, becoming a majority shareholder by 2014.

The market capitalisation of United Spirits Limited stood at over ₹79,500 crore as of January 29, 2024. United Spirits share price few over 80% in the last three years.

Business operations

United Spirits Limited manufactures, sells and distributes a portfolio of premium brands. The company has over 63 brands of Scotch whisky, IMFL whisky, brandy, rum, vodka and gin, with 8 of these brands selling more than a million cases annually. It operates brands across all price points, catering to segments ranging from popular to luxury.

With a pan-India manufacturing presence comprising approximately 40 facilities, the company maintains a wide distribution network of over 70,000 outlets. This facilitates access to vendors, suppliers and distributors across the country.

With an annual production and sales volume of approximately 72 million cases, the company's marquee brands include McDowell’s No.1, Royal Challenge, Royal Challenge American Pride, Signature, Antiquity, Black Dog, Director’s Special Black, McDowell’s Rum and McDowell’s Brandy. During FY23, the company's sales volume amounted to 72.5 million cases, a decrease of 8.4% compared to the previous year. However, net sales/income from operations (net of duties and taxes) increased by 10.1%.

It also imports, manufactures, distributes and sells various iconic Diageo brands such as Haig Gold Label, Captain Morgan, Johnnie Walker, J&B, Baileys, Lagavulin, Talisker, VAT 69, Black & White, Smirnoff and Ciroc in India under different licensing agreements.

Its technical centre was inaugurated in Bengaluru in 1989.

Financial highlights

– The company’s revenue reported for FY 23 stood at ₹27,815.4 crore as against the previous year’s ₹31,061.8 crore. – United Spirits’ net profit was reported at ₹1,125.8 crore in FY23 as against ₹810.6 crores in FY22. d) The earnings per share was reported at ₹16.01 in FY23 as against the previous year’s figure of ₹11.68.