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Pernod Ricard probes alleged fake Ballantine’s labels in India warehouse raid

10 February 2026 By Ron Emler

Pernod Ricard has launched an internal investigation in India after authorities raided one of its warehouses and arrested an employee. Officials in Rajasthan allege Ballantine’s labels were found being used on bottles of cheap local alcohol.

Pernod Ricard has launched an internal inquiry in India after a raid on one of its warehouses in India and the arrest of an employee.

Officials in Rajasthan, one of India’s most populous states, which generates great demand for premium alcohol from tourists and prestige events, said they found Ballantine’s whisky labels stuck to bottles of cheap local alcohol.

Company says it will cooperate with authorities

Pernod Ricard told Reuters that it noted the incident at one of its marketing warehouses and said it had launched an internal inquiry to determine how the bottles came to be present at that location.

“Pernod will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities as required. We are confident that the matter will be clarified,” the French group said.

Investigation continues after employee released on bail

The officer investigating the case, Dhola Ram Bishnoi, has said the employee who was arrested had been released on bail, adding that the investigation into the case was ongoing. Many loose Ballantine’s labels were also found in the raid.

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“Labels cannot be separately given by the company to an employee. This is not allowed,” he said, adding the state plans to ask Pernod Ricard for more details to aid the investigation.

Renewed scrutiny follows previous internal dismissals

Reuters reported in 2024 that the company sacked at least six mid-level employees in Rajasthan after an internal investigation into alleged diversion of discount funds for personal use.

Wider legal pressures build in india

The raid adds to Indian challenges for the French group.

It is already facing antitrust actions and a high-profile case where authorities allege violations of New Delhi’s licensing regulations. The French group cannot trade in the state until its licence is renewed.

Pernod denies any wrongdoing in all cases.

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