Indian spirits company Allied Blenders and Distillers has teamed up with Roust Corporation to launch Russian Standard vodka in the Indian market.   

The deal "underscores" Allied Blenders and Distillers efforts to sell "premium and luxury products to Indian consumers", the company said.

Without citing the source of the data, Allied Blenders and Distillers said the vodka market in India exceeds 13 million cases annually and is seeing growth of over 20%.

The company's product range already includes Class 21 vodka, as well as Officer’s Choice whisky, Kyron brandy and Zoya gin.

"This strategic alliance is aligned with our vision of curating a premium portfolio. By
harnessing our extensive distribution network and consumer marketing prowess, we are poised to introduce the unparalleled taste of Russian Standard vodka to India's discerning consumers," Allied Blenders and Distillers Alok Gupta said.

Again without citing the source of the figures, Allied Blenders and Distillers said Russian Standard vodka enjoys a “30% market share” in Russia and is the “number one Russian vodka” exported to over 85 countries.

Russian Standard will initially be launched in Maharashtra. The standard SKU will be priced at Rs2,200 ($26.17), with the Gold product at Rs2,600 and Platinum at Rs5,000.

Ivan Alferov, the CEO of Roust Corporation's international operations, said: “This collaboration marks a significant milestone for our company as we expand our presence into one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly growing markets.” 

Allied Blenders and Distillers listed earlier this year. The company's shares made their debut at a 13.87% premium over the issue price of Rs281. 

Incorporated in 2008, Allied Blenders and Distillers sells to more than 20 countries. In addition to its domestic Indian market, these include the US, UAE, South Africa, Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya and Chile.

Its products are manufactured across nine bottling plants, one distillery and more than 20 third party production sites across India.