Actor Vivek Oberoi acquires 21% stake in Scotland’s Rutland Square Spirits

Actor and entrepreneur Vivek Anand Oberoi has acquired a 21% equity stake in Rutland Square Spirits Ltd, a premium Scottish spirits company known for its pioneering oolong white tea-infused gin. The investment marks a unique fusion of India’s tea heritage with Scotland’s artisanal spirits tradition, bringing together two culturally rich landscapes to create a new cross-border brand narrative.

Rutland Square Spirits was co-founded by Nishant Sharma and is recognised for blending tea from Dibrugarh, the “Tea Capital of the World,” into its award-winning spirits. Together with Assam’s key tea-producing districts of Tinsukia and Sivasagar, the region accounts for nearly 50% of India’s total tea output.

The collaboration aims to do more than create premium spirits. A net-zero luxury hotel is planned for Edinburgh, designed to be a landmark in sustainable hospitality. 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 project is an exciting bridge between two economies and cultures,” said Oberoi. “Rutland Square Spirits is taking it a step further by curating a blended experience of Indian heritage. I am excited to begin the work of bringing it to life.”

Nishant Sharma, Founder and CEO, and Veenu Sharma, Director, added, “This partnership goes beyond an investment. We look forward to creating something special that celebrates artisanal craftsmanship and the warm hospitality both India and Scotland are known for.”

The partnership aligns with broader trends in UK-India trade, where food and beverage is emerging as a strategic sector. India is currently the largest global market for whisky, with exports growing by 13.8%. Ongoing FTA negotiations between the UK and India could further unlock value for both UK-origin spirits and premium Indian brands seeking global expansion.

Rutland Square Spirits has received accolades such as the Scottish Gin Awards Gold, IWSC Bronze, and the World Gin Awards for Design, showcasing global appreciation for its innovation and aesthetic.

This venture also underlines Vivek Oberoi’s growing portfolio in sustainable luxury and global entrepreneurship, which spans edtech, fintech, agritech, real estate, and beyond. With this investment, he reinforces his commitment to high-impact, culturally-rooted ventures with a global footprint.