Radico Khaitan unveils new premium avatar of After Dark Blue
Radico Khaitan unveiled the new premium avatar of After Dark Blue Grain Whisky, starting with Uttar Pradesh, to strengthen its deluxe segment presence. The brand's sales volume surged over 60% in FY26 to 3.1 million cases, up from 0.9 million cases in FY24. The refreshed packaging features a modern design with deep blue, white, and gold elements.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Radico Khaitan has unveiled the all-new premium avatar of After Dark Blue Grain Whisky to strengthen its position in the deluxe segment. The launch, initially in Uttar Pradesh, aims to capitalize on the brand's robust growth momentum, which saw sales volume increase by over 60% in FY26 to reach 3.1 million cases.
Strategic Market Rollout
The new avatar is being launched first in Uttar Pradesh, followed by a phased rollout across key markets including Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand over the next six months. This strategy targets the deluxe whisky segment, which exceeds 70 million cases annually in India, offering significant long-term growth opportunities for the company.
Packaging and Design Evolution
The refreshed packaging features a striking interplay of deep blue, crisp white and rich gold to create a bold, contemporary identity. The premium tapered bottle silhouette is designed to enhance the in-hand feel, while an embossed gold seal with the statement 'Crafted for the Night' serves as a visual mnemonic. The pack also includes the phrase 'This Is All You Need – After Dark' to reflect the spirit of memorable experiences.
Financial Performance and Growth
After Dark Blue has demonstrated strong consumer acceptance, growing from 0.9 million cases in FY24 to 3.1 million cases in FY26. Mr. Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director, Radico Khaitan, attributed the growth to the brand's strong consumer connect and rising aspirations in the deluxe whisky category. The company expects the current refresh to further sustain this growth trajectory.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | After Dark Blue Grain Whisky |
| Category | Deluxe / Premium |
| FY24 Sales Volume | 0.9 million cases |
| FY26 Sales Volume | 3.1 million cases |
| FY26 Growth | Over 60% |
| Initial Launch Market | Uttar Pradesh |
Historical Stock Returns for Radico Khaitan
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +2.66% | +1.12% | +1.49% | +10.69% | +38.61% | +398.20% |
How will the rebranding impact the profit margins given the costs associated with the new premium packaging design?
What specific market share gains does Radico Khaitan anticipate within the 70 million case deluxe segment over the next fiscal year?
Will the premiumization strategy trigger a price revision, and how might that affect the brand's volume growth in price-sensitive markets?


































