Bollywood actor and entrepreneur Vivek Anand Oberoi has made headlines with his latest international business move, acquiring a 21% equity stake in Rutland Square Spirits Ltd, a premium Scottish spirits company renowned for its innovative oolong white tea-infused gin. This calculated investment is more than just a business deal; it’s a special link between Scotland’s centuries-old artisanal spirits culture and India’s rich tea heritage.
Rutland Square Spirits, co-founded by Nishant Sharma, stands out in the global alcobev sector for its pioneering approach. The brand’s signature gin is crafted using oolong white tea leaves sourced from Assam’s Dibrugarh region, known as the “Tea Capital of the World.” Assam’s districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, and Sivasagar collectively contribute nearly half of India’s total tea output, making this collaboration a celebration of both Indian agricultural heritage and Scottish distilling excellence.
Oberoi expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This project is an exciting bridge between two economies and cultures. Rutland Square Spirits is curating a blended experience of Indian heritage, and I am excited to begin the work of bringing it to life”. The collaboration is not just about spirits—it’s about creating a new cross-border brand narrative that celebrates artisanal craftsmanship and cultural richness.
Rutland Square’s Global Recognition and Ambitious Sustainability Plans:
Rutland Square Spirits has quickly garnered international acclaim, winning awards such as the Scottish Gin Awards Gold, IWSC Bronze, and the World Gin Awards for Design. These honors highlight the brand’s dedication to excellence in design, quality, and innovation. As a daring and successful experiment, the infusion of Assamese tea into Scottish gin has earned the brand an enthusiastic following among both industry experts and enthusiasts.
The partnership is set to deliver a landmark project in Edinburgh: a net-zero luxury hotel that promises to redefine sustainable hospitality in Scotland. The proposed property will feature Scotland’s first Ayurvedic wellness centre and Europe’s first hydrogen-powered hotel infrastructure, merging ancient Indian wellness practices with next-generation green technologies. This visionary retreat aims to offer guests a unique blend of heritage, innovation, and eco-conscious luxury, set against the backdrop of Scotland’s iconic landscapes.
Nishant Sharma, Founder and CEO of Rutland Square Spirits, emphasized the broader significance of the partnership: “This collaboration is a testament to the growing relationship between Scotland, India, and the wider South Asian community. It goes beyond investment—we are creating a cultural and artisanal experience”.
Strengthening UK-India Trade Ties Through Food and Beverage Innovation:
Oberoi’s investment comes at a time when UK-India trade relations are gaining momentum, with the food and beverage sector emerging as a key driver. India is currently the largest global market for whisky, with exports growing by 13.8%. As negotiations over a UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) progress, both countries are eyeing opportunities to reduce tariffs and expand market access for premium spirits and artisanal brands.
The Rutland Square partnership aligns with these trends, positioning itself as a model for how cross-cultural collaborations can unlock new value in both markets. By combining Indian ingredients and traditions with Scottish craftsmanship and hospitality, the venture is poised to appeal to a global audience seeking authenticity, quality, and sustainability.
Vivek Oberoi’s Expanding Global Entrepreneurial Footprint:
Another important turning point in Vivek Oberoi’s broad portfolio of international ventures, which includes edtech, fintech, agritech, real estate, and sustainable luxury, is this entry into the premium spirits sector. Oberoi’s strategy always prioritizes globally accessible, culturally grounded, high-impact endeavors. He reaffirms his dedication to initiatives that combine innovation, sustainability, and tradition with Rutland Square Spirits.
As Oberoi and the Rutland Square team set their sights on new horizons, their collaboration stands as a testament to the power of cultural exchange and entrepreneurial vision. By bringing together Assam’s tea gardens and Scotland’s distilleries, they are not only crafting award-winning spirits but also shaping the future of luxury hospitality and cross-border business.
In summary, Vivek Oberoi’s 21% stake in Rutland Square Spirits is more than an investment—it’s a celebration of heritage, innovation, and the enduring ties between India and Scotland, promising to leave a mark on both the spirits industry and the world of sustainable luxury.
