TILAKNAGAR INDUSTRIES ENTERS INDIA’S TEQUILA MARKET WITH BLACK TIGER DISTILLERIES

Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. has entered India’s tequila market with a strategic INR 22 crore investment in Black Tiger Distilleries, acquiring a 30 per cent stake. Backed by Mexican producer PFA and distributor Mansha Group, BTD’s flagship Bodega Suprema No. 5 positions TI to capitalise on India’s growing demand for premium tequila experiences.  

Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. (TI) has taken a decisive step into India’s fast-emerging tequila category through a strategic investment in Black Tiger Distilleries (BTD), the company behind Bodega Suprema No. 5. The move marks TI’s first foray into the tequila segment, underscoring its ambition to diversify its premium spirits portfolio and tap into a category that is rapidly gaining traction among Indian consumers.  

Under the agreement, TI will invest a total of INR 22 crore in BTD for a 30 per cent shareholding on a fully diluted basis. The investment will be executed in two tranches, beginning with INR 6 crore in the first tranche, followed by a second infusion of INR 16 crore within 12 months. This phased approach reflects TI’s confidence in BTD’s growth potential while ensuring a structured capital deployment strategy.  

Founded by entrepreneur Mohnish Mehta, Black Tiger Distilleries was established to bridge the gap in India’s tequila market, which has long been underserved despite rising demand. The company has built its foundation with support from Productos Finos de Agave (PFA), a respected tequila manufacturer in Mexico, and Mansha Group of Companies, one of India’s leading distributors of craft and premium alcohol beverages. Together, these partnerships provide BTD with both international expertise and strong domestic distribution capabilities.  

Bodega Suprema No. 5, BTD’s flagship offering, represents a new wave of tequila brands tailored to Indian tastes while maintaining authentic Mexican craftsmanship. With PFA’s backing, the brand benefits from traditional production methods, ensuring quality and authenticity. Meanwhile, Mansha Group’s distribution network positions BTD to scale quickly across India’s expanding premium spirits market.  

For TI, the investment is more than a financial transaction; it is a strategic alignment with evolving consumer preferences. India’s younger demographic, increasingly exposed to global drinking trends, has shown growing interest in tequila as a versatile spirit for cocktails and premium occasions. By partnering with BTD, TI is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift, adding tequila to its diverse portfolio that already includes leading brandy and whisky labels.  

Industry observers note that TI’s entry into tequila reflects a broader trend of premiumisation in India’s alcobev sector, where consumers are seeking elevated experiences and international flavours. The collaboration with BTD not only strengthens TI’s innovation pipeline but also signals its intent to play a defining role in shaping India’s next chapter in spirits consumption.