Initially setting up a distillation/rectification plant to manufacture potable and non-potable spirits Jagatjit Industries took up production of carbon dioxide gas in 1947 and later on moved to malt and malt-extract products in 1963. The existing promoter L P Jaiswal currently holds 37% in the company.JIL's liquor business is worth Rs 500 crore. It has in its fold well-known whisky brands like Aristocrat Black Velvet and Fotune Gold all of which are in the popular price range. On the other end of its liquid portfolio A glass division was added to the existing units with the amalgamation of Universal Glass with the company in Jan.'80. In 1988-89 it launched Binnie's potato chips and PET containers.Hiram Walker (India) set up as a joint venture with Hiram Walker UK (now known as Allied and Domeco Spirits and Wine) by the company in 1993-94 launched Teacher's scotch whisky during 1994-95. JIL has also signed another agreement with Brown Forman Corporation US for alcoholic beverages in India.Recently the company sold its two brands Viva and Maltova to Smithkline Beecham Consumer Healthcare for Rs 86.25 cr. Since the company would continue to focus on its core area alcohol. Viva and Maltova enjoy over 8% of the market share of the health drink market which is currently estimated at around 90000 tonnes per annum.