Palakkad: The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) has changed the name of the state government’s brandy produced by Malabar Distilleries. The brand was initially set to be launched as Malabar Mystery, a name reportedly suggested by members of the public. However, the name has now been changed to Minnal Magic following legal complications.

The liquor will be marketed under the brand acronym ‘MM’, representing Minnal Magic. The brandy is being manufactured at Menonpara in Palakkad.

Officials confirmed that both excise registration and brand registration have been completed. Production will initially begin in 500 ml bottles, with the price expected to be around ₹400.

Brand stickers and other packaging arrangements under the ‘MM’ label have been finalised. Once the plant becomes fully operational, the plan is to produce 13,500 cases per day. The required quantity of spirit has already been stocked.

The facility will require approximately one lakh litres of water daily. Officials stated that an agreement has been reached with the Kerala Water Authority to transport water from the Malampuzha drinking water plant via tanker lorries. Malabar Distilleries has paid ₹1.87 crore in advance to the Water Authority.

The transfer of technical staff from Travancore Sugars in Tiruvalla and from the Beverages Corporation is expected to be completed soon. Unskilled workers will be recruited in collaboration with Kudumbashree.

The plant has been established by renovating the old sugar factory building at Menonpara. The Kerala Police Housing and Construction Corporation undertook the construction work. The finished product will be distributed through Beverages Corporation outlets across the state.

Naming Controversy

The naming process sparked controversy after a complaint alleged that suggestions had been invited online and a prize announced, prompting court intervention. However, Bevco officials clarified that the corporation had not made any such announcement and that the responsibility for naming the brand rested with Malabar Distilleries.

Around 40,000 name suggestions were reportedly received via social media. Although Malabar Mystery had gained favourable support among these, Bevco withdrew from the process once the matter became subject to legal proceedings.