Tag Archives: Indian beer

United Breweries launches Kingfisher Smooth

United Breweries Limited (UBL), part of the HEINEKEN Company, has launched Kingfisher Smooth. Brewed using imported hops and containing no added sugar, it delivers a smooth, balanced taste while retaining the strength consumers expect.

While Kingfisher Strong remains the benchmark for a classic, full-bodied beer, Kingfisher Smooth expands the flagship brand’s portfolio, reinforcing UBL’s commitment to innovation and consumer centricity. Kingfisher Smooth is now available across Rajasthan. It is priced at Rs. 100 for a 330 ml bottle, Rs. 145 for a 500 ml can, and Rs. 185 for a 650 ml bottle.

L-R: Mohit Raina, Category Director & Vivek Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, United Breweries Limited

Speaking on the launch, Vivek Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, United Breweries Limited, said, “Kingfisher has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s beer category, and we are a key recruiter to the segment, bringing young legal-age consumers into beer. With Kingfisher Smooth, we are introducing a first-ever game-changing innovation in the mainstream strong beer segment, designed for next-generation consumers. We’ve put intensive research, design and consumer testing into this launch, resulting in a winning combination of superior brew and packaging that reflects our commitment to innovation and our brand investments.”

“The strong beer segment continues to dominate beer consumption in India, and as drinking occasions diversify, we are seeing more consumers seek smoother, more approachable strong beers that are easier to enjoy without compromising the familiar taste they value. These insights are backed by extensive consumer testing, and Kingfisher Smooth addresses this shift by delivering a more balanced strong beer experience aligned with contemporary consumption occasions.”, added Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Limited.

Kingfisher Triumphs at World Beer Awards 2025

United Breweries Limited has recently announced that Kingfisher has won four coveted honours across categories at the World Beer Awards 2025.

At this year’s awards, Kingfisher Ultra was the Gold Country Winner in International Lager; Kingfisher Strong bagged the Silver in Seasonal: Oktoberfestbier/ Märzen; Kingfisher Premium Lager won the Silver in Helles/Münchner; and Kingfisher Ultra Max won the Bronze in Seasonal: Maibock/ Helles Bock.

Speaking on the achievement, Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries Limited, said, “We are truly honoured to see Kingfisher shine on a global platform yet again. These awards are a testament to our commitment to quality brewing and innovation while staying true to Kingfisher’s legacy of Good Times. This recognition not only makes India proud, but also reinforces our journey to delight consumers worldwide.”

Japan’s Kirin Holdings to buy under 10% stake in Indian craft beer brand Bira

According to Bira’s CEO, Ankur Jain, and a spokesperson of Kirin Holdings, the Japan-based company is buying under 10% stake in Bira, an Indian craft beer brand by investing 30 million (nearly INR 220 crore). Bira is owned by B9 Beverages, a company based in New Delhi. No further details about the financials of this deal have been released to the press yet. However, Jain mentioned that he expects the deal to be closed over the next few days.

Ankur Jain added that this investment will enable Bira to break even in the 2022 fiscal year after having reported losses in the recent years as well as in the pandemic. Furthermore, it will facilitate the plans ofthe Indian craft beer brand to launch its product in Japan in the later part of 2021.

In August, Reuters had reported that Bira was in talks with international brewing companies to sell 20%stake. Valued at $210 million in 2018 by Data Provider Pitchbook, 30% of the company is owned by theCEO Ankur Jain and his family while Sequoia Capital, the U.S. based venture capital firm, owns around 45% stake.

The craft beer products offered by the company have gained popularity recently. According to Bira, the company has a 5-10% market share of the beer market in the metropolitan cities of New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai although it was launched in 2015.

On the other hand, due to falling sales in its home country, Kirin Holdings has been showing interest in investing in independent breweries. It owns a minor stake in New York-based Brooklyn brewery. But all international dealings have not gone well for Kirin. In the year 2015, its operations in Myanmar came under investigation as its local partner had military connections and in 2017, the company sold its loss-generating Brazilian unit to Heinken after losing market share.