India: United Breweries to launch Amstel Grande beer in India

United Breweries announced on October 24 that it will be launching Amstel Grande, an iconic Dutch premium beer crafted in Amsterdam since the late 1800s, to the Indian market. Though the company did not specify the date of its launch, the announcement comes amidst an uptick of premium beer demand by Indian consumers, The Economic Times reported.

"Amstel, the iconic premium beer brand crafted in Amsterdam since 1870, is excited to announce its debut in India with Amstel Grande. Slow brewed with the finest ingredients, Amstel Grande promises to deliver an unparalleled beer experience to Indian consumers," United Breweries said in an exchange filing.

The alco-bev company also noted in its filing that premium beer consumption in India has seen an increase of 27 per cent in the second quarter of FY2025 - bringing the HY growth rate to 35 per cent. The growth was primarily driven by a demand surge for Kingfisher Ultra, Kingfisher Ultra Max, and Heineken Silver, said the company.

"We remain optimistic about the industry's long-term growth potential, driven by increasing disposable income, favorable demographics, and premiumization," the company further said.

Meanwhile, Dutch beer maker Heineken NV reported a 4.5 per cent volume growth in its premium category for the September quarter, driven by its flagship brand Heineken, along with notable contributions from Kingfisher Ultra in India, according to Chairman and CEO Dolf van den Brink, reported PTI. Moreover, organic beer volume increased by a mid-single-digit percentage in the nation. Whereas, the growth in India and Indonesia helped offset lower volumes in Vietnam and Cambodia, resulting in a 1.2 per cent organic decline in beer volume across the Asia Pacific region.

Heineken NV is the promoter of United Breweries Ltd, which offers a variety of beers under the Kingfisher brand, as well as other labels like Zingaro and Kalyani Black Label.

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