Tag Archives: Carlsberg India

Haryana Taxes Beer Heavily

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The Haryana State Government has increased taxes on beer and from June 12 the prices of beer in the state will go up by 55% for Indian brands and 45% for imported.

Beer brands such as Kingfisher, Carlsberg, Budweiser, and Hoegaarden will see sharp upward price revisions. A 650ml bottle of Kingfisher Ultra, currently retailing at ₹90, will now cost ₹140. Beers such as Corona and Amstel will cost ₹290 up from ₹200 for a pint. Tiger beer is expected to follow suit. A 330 ml beer bottle of Budweiser and Carlsberg will cost ₹120 that used to cost ₹75. Canned beer has been increased to ₹130 (45% for 500 ml can) from ₹90.

The cost of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and Imported Foreign Liquor (IFL) is set to rise by 15-20% under the new excise policy which the government announced on June 2. Absolute Vodka is likely to go up from ₹1,200 to ₹1,500, and Glenlivet from ₹3,200 to ₹3,800.

Haryana Targets ₹14,064 Crore Revenue

Jitender Dudi, deputy excise and taxation commissioner, Gurugram (West), confirmed the increase to a national newspaper. “Yes, there will be a 55% hike on Indian beers and 45% on imported ones. This is primarily to bring parity with neighbouring states and to promote Indian-made beer and liquor over imported alternatives. The excise department is also focussing on optimising revenue through fair pricing while reducing the consumption of foreign-labelled liquor.”

The Haryana government has set a revenue target of ₹14,064 crore for FY 2025–27 under its new excise policy. In the last 2024–25, the department surpassed expectations, collecting ₹12,700 crore against a target of ₹12,650 crore. Officials credited the achievement to improved enforcement, policy stability, and a rise in legal consumption. The 2025–27 excise policy aims to build on this momentum with reforms in liquor quota, duty structure, and stricter compliance enforcement. “With the increased license fee, it will be easier to achieve the targets,” said Dudi.

Carlsberg India profits up by 60%

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Carlsberg India has reported a jump of 60.5% in its profits at ₹323.1 crore in FY’24, according to RoC filing by the company. Carlsberg India total revenue was up 15.2% at ₹8,044.9 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2024.

The company said, “During the financial year 2023-24, profit amounting to ₹323 crore under the standalone financial statement has been carried forward to ‘Reserve and Surplus’ including other comprehensive income in the balance sheet.”

Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd had reported a total profit of ₹201.3 crore a year before in FY’23, and its revenue from operations was at ₹6,937 crore on a standalone basis. Its “Excise duty expense” in FY’24 was at ₹4,877.8 crore, up 13.4%. This was at ₹4,301.6 crore a year before in FY’23.

“Cash and bank balances increased from ₹9,304 million to ₹11,165 million with strong business performance, better trade working capital and lower capital investment,” it said. Advertising promotional expenses of Carlsberg India were at ₹96.5 crore in FY’24 and total expenses stood at ₹7,628.3 crore, up 13.4%.

The market share however declined to 13.3%, from 14.9% in the fiscal year 2023-24, but Carlsberg India continues to hold the number three position in the Indian beer market. Carlsberg India is the subsidiary of Singapore-based South Asian Breweries Pte Ltd, owned by Danish brewing major Carlsberg.

UBL, AB InBev, Carlsberg jointly form Brewers’ Association of India

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In a move that might not be surprising to many, India’s leading beer manufacturers United Breweries – controlled by Dutch manufacturer Heineken, AB InBev, and Carlsberg have come together to jointly forming a new industry body Brewers’ Association of India (BAI). The three companies own the 85% of the beer market in India via their brands Budweiser, Hoegaarden, Corona, Carlsberg, Tuborg among others.

While UBL leads the Indian beer market with its brands Kingfisher, Kalyani Black, Heineken, Amstel Bier. BAI, which is formed in partnership with the World Brewing Alliance (WBA), and is expected to focus on growing the beer category in India, drive innovation, moderation, and sustainability in the Indian beer market.

WBA is the global industry body consisting of brewers and brewing trade associations from leading markets, including Australia, Canada, the US, Europe, Japan, Korea, Latin America, Brazil, and New Zealand.

BAI is headquartered in Delhi and is going to be headed by Vinod Giri, who will assume office on June 1, 2024. Giri until now was heading the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the apex body of the Indian alcoholic beverage industry.

“The time is right for brewers to raise their voice on these issues. The Brewers of India will be a vital part of promoting moderate drinking, promoting our industry,” said Justin Kissinger, President and CEO, WBA.

The new association will also be open to other brewers, Indian and international both, who share the belief in growing the Indian beer industry responsibly.

AB InBev India President Kartikeya Sharma said, “There are many barriers to the growth of India’s beer category, including inequitable taxation, accessibility, and the ease of doing business. We will continue to advocate to unlock a new era for the beer category.”

Carlsberg India MD Nilesh Patel said, “The beer industry is an important sector for the states as it provides significant direct and indirect employment and generates significant revenues for the state to invest for its citizens.

“Through the Brewers’ Association of India, the industry expects to bring best global practices and further strengthen the sector.”

UBL MD & CEO Vivek Gupta said, “Together, the industry can help shape policies promoting responsible choices for consumers around moderate alcohol beverages, a robust taxation and regulatory framework and promoting investments for socio-economic benefits. We look forward to collaborate with governments and other stakeholders.”

The three companies have significantly invested in India. While Carlsberg operates seven breweries, UBL has 19 and AB InBev India has 10 of them across the country.