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 formally introduced Binnie's potato chips and PET containers.

Hiram Walker (India), created and deployed as a joint venture with Hiram Walker, UK (now widely referred to as Allied and Domeco Spirits and Wine), by the company in 1993-94, formally introduced 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 strategic emphasis 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 90,000 tonnes per annum.