Kerala’s First State Run Brandy Manufacturing Unit – A New Era for Palakkad
On July 7, 2025, the Kerala Excise Minister M B Rajesh inaugurated the construction of a landmark IMFL unit at Malabar Distilleries in Menonpara, Palakkad. This project marks Kerala’s formal entry into premium brandy production, building on the success of its state run rum brand ‘Jawan’.
Key Features of the Project
Production Capacity:
The facility will house three fully automated bottling lines, with a daily output of 13,500 cases or 121,500 liters of liquor. This is a significant leap compared to the state’s existing manual rum production units, which produce 6,000–8,000 cases per day.
Employment Generation:
The project is expected to create around 250 jobs, including roles for loading and unloading workers. Notably, 125 Kudumbashree workers (women’s self-help group members) will be employed in bottling and packaging, supporting local empowerment.
Timeline:
Construction is projected to be completed within six to eight months, with production targeted to start by February 2026.
Technology:
The unit will be fully automated, ensuring high efficiency, quality control, and faster output. The entire process from blending and bottling to capping and packaging will occur under one roof.
Sustainability:
A rainwater harvesting system will be installed to address water shortages, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainable operations.
Strategic Importance
Boosting State Revenue:
Kerala’s annual liquor trade is valued at ₹20,000 crore. By producing brandy in-house, the state aims to reduce its reliance on external suppliers, increase public sector participation, and enhance revenue generation.
Consumer-Centric Approach:
The product strategy is informed by regional preferences: while rum is popular in southern Kerala, brandy dominates in the north. This insight influenced both the product choice and the facility’s location.
Value Addition & Future Plans:
There are plans to use additional space at the facility for producing value-added products from fruits, further diversifying the company’s portfolio.
Execution and Oversight
Project Implementation:
The construction is being supervised by the Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company Ltd.
Background:
Malabar Distilleries, established in 2009, was originally set up to produce IMFL and related products, and this expansion marks a significant step in the state’s ambitions for public sector led liquor manufacturing.
The new IMFL unit at Malabar Distilleries is more than a factory; it’s a key step to boost Palakkad’s industrial growth, create local jobs, and make Kerala more self-reliant in the liquor market.
