When Vijay Kumar Shah (Chairman, JGI) returned to Nepal in 1969 after finishing his studies and gaining work experience in the USA, the traditional method of making alcohol was still prevalent in the family business thriving under the leadership of his forefathers. Mr. Shah dreamt of bringing a modern plant to Nepal and passionately worked towards it until Jawalakhel Distillery began production in 1973.
His wife Maggie Shah became instrumental in making business decisions that led the company to greater heights. It was a sharp upward incline for flagship brand Ruslan vodka, after which in 1999 their son Raj B. Shah (MD, JGI) stepped in and introduced Royal Stag Deluxe Whisky to Nepal in collaboration with Pernod Ricard. Royal Stag went on to be the leading domestic whisky for over a decade.
The company expanded to produce a gamut of alcoholic beverages in various categories which propelled it to become the leader in the Nepalese liquor industry.
Currently a 6th generation family business, JGI has come a long way, from small-scale pot-still distillation to mass-production 13-column distillation. All thanks to great vision complemented by business experts and modern technology.
The Beginning
Jawalakhel Distillery Pvt. Ltd. started its first commercial production with Ruslan Vodka.
Asian Distillery Pvt. Ltd. was established.
International Partnership
Himalayan Distillery Limited entered a partnership with Pernod Ricard to manufacture and market international whisky brands in Nepal.
Entered into partnership agreement with Angus Dundee PLC, Scotland.
Entered into partnership agreement with Radico Khaitan Limited, India.
Vijay Distillery Pvt. Ltd. and Raj Brewery Pvt. Ltd were established.
Entered into partnership agreements with Bacardi International and Allied Blenders & Distillers.
Bringing the best
Ruslan Reloaded was launched by VDPL, giving the brand a complete makeover with international packaging
Raj Brewery joined hands with Warsteiner Germany to manufacture and distribute Warsteiner Premium Verum using state-of-the-art facilities backed by imported German technology and expertise.
Rolling River Distillers Pvt. Ltd. merged with Jawalakhel Group of Industries.
Proud growth milestone
Entered into partnership agreement with Cevico, Italy (for wine import). Entered into partnership agreement import of Russian Standard Vodka.
Achieved sales volume of Two Million cases.
International Partnership
JGI entered into partnership with AB InBev, world’s largest brewer. Achieved sales volume of 1 million cases of Golden Oak. Launch of Foster’s Beer.
