Allied Blenders & Distillers Limited (ABDL), a prominent player in the Indian spirits industry, has announced that its shareholders have approved revised remuneration packages for two key executives through a postal ballot voting process.

Voting Results

The remote e-voting process, which concluded on November 9, saw strong support for increased compensation for Managing Director Alok Gupta (DIN: 02330045) and Executive Director Arun Barik (DIN: 07130542). Here's a breakdown of the voting results:

Shareholder Participation

The voting process saw a significant turnout, with 87.80% of the company's outstanding shares participating. This high level of engagement demonstrates strong shareholder interest in corporate governance matters at ABDL.

Voting Breakdown by Shareholder Category

Promoter and Promoter Group

• 100% support for both resolutions
• Total shares held: 22,63,20,072

Public Institutions

• For Alok Gupta's remuneration: 59.48% in favor, 40.52% against
• For Arun Barik's remuneration: 55.57% in favor, 44.43% against
• Total shares held: 2,10,08,792

Public Non-Institutions

• For Alok Gupta's remuneration: 99.75% in favor, 0.25% against
• For Arun Barik's remuneration: 99.75% in favor, 0.25% against
• Total shares held: 3,23,81,287

Compliance and Transparency

The entire voting process was conducted through electronic means, in compliance with the Companies Act, 2013, and SEBI regulations. Mr. Vaibhav Dandawate of M/s. Makarand M. Joshi & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries, acted as the scrutinizer for the voting process, ensuring its fairness and transparency.

Company Secretary's Statement

Sumeet Maheshwari, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer of ABDL, confirmed that the special resolutions have been passed with the requisite majority. The voting results and scrutinizer's report are being uploaded on the company's website and the National Securities Depository Limited's e-voting platform for public access.

This approval of revised remuneration packages for top executives may be seen as a vote of confidence in the company's leadership and its strategic direction. However, the split in institutional investor votes suggests some differing views on executive compensation within this shareholder group.

Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD) has secured a significant legal victory in a long-running trademark dispute with John Distilleries. The Madras High Court ruled in favor of ABD, dismissing John Distilleries' petition to cancel ABD's 'Officer's Choice' trademark while simultaneously allowing ABD's petition to cancel John Distilleries' 'Original Choice' mark.

Legal Battle Outcome

The court's decision, delivered on November 7, 2025, marks the conclusion of a protracted legal battle between the two liquor companies over alleged similarities in branding and trade dress. The ruling effectively upholds ABD's rights to its 'Officer's Choice' trademark while invalidating John Distilleries' claim to 'Original Choice'.

Market Impact

Despite the legal victory, Allied Blenders & Distillers' shares closed marginally lower at ₹640.00 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) following the announcement. This slight dip suggests that the market had largely anticipated the outcome or that investors are taking a cautious approach to assess the long-term implications of the ruling.

Financial Performance

Amidst the legal proceedings, ABD has demonstrated strong financial performance. The company reported:

Product Performance

ABD's premium portfolio has shown robust growth, with volumes in its Prestige & Above segment rising 8.40% year-on-year. This performance indicates that the company's focus on higher-end products is yielding positive results, potentially offsetting any market uncertainties stemming from the legal dispute.

Looking Ahead

The court's decision may strengthen ABD's market position, particularly for its 'Officer's Choice' brand. As the company continues to expand its premium offerings, this legal clarity could provide a foundation for future growth strategies in the competitive Indian liquor market.

Allied Blenders & Distillers will need to capitalize on this legal victory by reinforcing its brand presence and potentially exploring new market opportunities now that the trademark dispute has been resolved in its favor.