Denmark & India: Carlsberg gets approval to build a brewery in the state of Bihar

The Bihar state cabinet on October 22 gave its nod to Danish beer major Carlsberg’s proposal to set up a brewery, The Telegraph reported.

“According to the proposal of Gurgaon-based beer major M/s Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd, which was cleared by the cabinet today, the company would set up its unit at Bikram (65km southwest of Patna) entailing an investment of Rs 140 crore,” cabinet secretary Brajesh Mehrotra told reporters.

The brewery, Carlsberg’s first in Bihar and seventh in the country, would have a capacity of producing 1 mln hl.

The Telegraph had reported on October 31, 2012, of the company’s intent to set up a brewery in the state.

The Danish company’s unit would be the second beer brewing facility in Bihar after the Bihta plant of Molson Coors Cobra. Cobra started production in February 2012.

Carlsberg has purchased 22.5 acres of land at Bikram on its own, an official press note said.

The government has made it clear that industrialists wishing to invest in the state would have to get their own land.

Carlsberg would require 2,000 kilowatt of power and 2,000 cubic metre of water per day to run the plant. The company would provide direct employment to around 600 skilled and unskilled persons, the press note said.

Brewing would begin within 12 months of getting the required licence. The company proposes to purchase raw materials such as malt from either Europe or from the local market while hops would be imported from Europe.

The company said last year that all brands produced by Carlsberg India — Carlsberg, Carlsberg Elephant, Tuborg Green, Tuborg Strong and Palone 8 — would be brewed at Bikram.

“The government should find out ways in which these companies would consume raw materials produced by the state’s farmers,” said industrialist Satyajit Kumar.