Elanpro introduces Ice Fall Tower to dispense cold beer

Lone Wolf has launched two of their popular drinks- Lone Wolf Alpha and Lone Wolf Mavrick in cans. 

Earlier available in bottles, Lone Wolf has become a favorite brand among beer lovers and their availability now in cans will only enhance the drinking experience of the consumers. 

The two beers in can packaging will now be available in Delhi NCR and Goa followed by other cities.

“We are amazed by the love and acceptance that we have received from our customers. Our brand has already become a default choice of many beer lovers and we are glad we are able to bring experiential new flavors and taste to our customers. Cans preserve taste better than bottles and also keep carbonation intact, enriching the drinking experience. We are sure our customers will love the new beer cans and carry them more conveniently,” shared Atul Kumar Singh, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Lone Wolf.

Lone Wolf, born under the visionary leadership of Onkara Beverages & Hospitality Pvt Ltd within the esteemed MP Singh Group, has swiftly ascended to the highest of the beverage industry. 

Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park has appointed three seasoned professionals who will play instrumental roles in shaping the future of the properties. 

From diverse backgrounds and brimming with expertise, these leaders bring fresh perspectives to propel our commitment to guest satisfaction.

The Director of Sales position will be assumed by Akshay Varma, a distinguished professional with over 15 years in the hospitality industry.  His extensive career includes serving as the Director of Sales at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal and Sheraton Grand Bangalore, where he earned accolades for his dedication and leadership in driving successful sales initiatives.

In his role at Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, he will play a crucial role in steering the sales strategy, achieving revenue targets, and overseeing all aspects of the sales and marketing department.

The hotel has appointed Manish Singh as the Cluster Security Manager. With over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry and an exemplary 15-year service record in the Indian Navy, he brings a unique blend of skills in Physical Security, Loss Prevention, Crisis and Risk Management, liaisoning, Transport and Parking Management, overall administration, and Team Development.

Whereas, Sharada Bandodkar has been appointed as the Human Resources Manager for Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park. With a dynamic career spanning for a decade of experience in Human Resources Management.

Having successfully managed the Human Resources department at The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, and played pivotal roles at Vivanta Goa, Panaji, Vivanta Goa, Miramar, and other prestigious establishments, Ms Bandodkar's wealth of experience will significantly contribute to the success and growth of the properties' human resources initiatives.

Commenting on the team expansion, Manish Garg, General Manager, Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, said, "We are delighted to welcome Akshay Varma, Manish Singh, and Sharada Bandodkar to our team. We are certain their extensive experience and proven track records will undoubtedly contribute to our team’s excellence and help us achieve our common goals. We look forward to their valuable contributions as we continue to provide exceptional experiences to our guests."

American Brew Crafts Pvt Ltd (ABCL), one of the leading brewing company renowned for its exceptional brews has announced an addition to its portfolio with the launch of Flying Monkey – A Belgian Style Craft Beer into the vibrant market of Hyderabad. 

This exclusive variant promises to redefine the beer landscape, catering specifically to Belgian Craft beer enthusiasts.

“We're excited to bring Flying Monkey Belgian Style Beer to Hyderabad. With this we add a new product into our portfolio for the beer connoisseurs in this dynamic city. We've carefully tailored this brew to match the preferences of Hyderabad's consumers and contribute to the city's vibrant beer culture. We look forward to providing beer connoisseurs in Hyderabad with a delightful and out-of-the-world experience,” shared Nagendra Tayi, Director and Chief Executive Officer of American Brew Crafts Pvt Ltd.

Flying Monkey is a Belgian style beer with a hazy amber colour and creamy head. It embodies a bold and robust character, a smooth texture, and a unique flavor profile that elevates the experience of drinking beer. Crafted to perfection, it aims to defy the normal, outdo the boring with the refreshingly different flavour which will add an adventurous dimension to its taste profile and setting new standards for excellence in brewing. 

The introduction of Flying Monkey Belgian Style Beer shows ABCL’s commitment to innovation and quality in the brewing industry. As a pioneer in crafting exceptional brews, ABCL continues to push the boundaries of brewing excellence, delivering unique and unforgettable experiences to beer enthusiasts worldwide.

Belgium-based AB InBev has appointed Vineet Sharma as vice president - marketing and new business development for South Asia.

Sharma joined AB InBev, the makers of Budweiser beer in 2016, was the trade marketing director for the same region.

In his new role, he will be responsible for accelerating growth of the world’s biggest brewer’s existing portfolio of global brands. In addition to his new responsibilities, Sharma will continue to head the company’s trade marketing initiatives.

Also Read: Bengaluru to get a taste of AB InBev's local wheat beers

“Vineet’s strategic vision has been instrumental in shaping the marketing strategy for Budweiser and our game plan for consumer and customer-focused initiatives in the trade. He will play a critical role in revolutionizing our marketing strategies, innovations and engagement with consumers while finding whitespace opportunities to lead AB InBev to continued success,” shared Kartikeya Sharma, president – India & South East Asia, AB InBev.

Sharma has a decade’s experience in global business management and has worked with multiple FMCG companies like; ITC Limited, Dabur International Limited and Unilever in South East Asia, India, Middle East and North Africa.

He holds an MBA degree in marketing and strategy from XLRI Jamshedpur.

May Interest: World’s leading brewer AB InBev enters non-alcohol beer segment in India

“I am thrilled to embark on this new journey to accelerate AB InBev’s business transformation agenda in South Asia. I am excited to work closely with our teams, business associates and partners to lead the charge through a diverse portfolio of global brands, and further build AB InBev’s leadership position in India,” added Sharma.`

Beer Cafe, which is run by BTB Marketing, has crossed the Rs. 100-crore sales mark during FY19, posting a 12% increase in revenues about seven years after it launched its first outlet.

The brand’s per store gross sales of Rs 3 crore on an average was at par with Starbucks and significantly higher than other quick service restaurant startups like Chaayos. As of March 2019, Beer Café was having nearly 36 outlets.

Rahul Singh, Founder of BTB Marketing, which posted a net loss of Rs 19 crore during the year, said, “Most brands in the sector prefer to remain regional but we were determined to be ubiquitous. We are already in 16 cities now in a sector that is highly regulated and complex.”

Beer Cafe’s per square feet revenue at Rs 19,000 is higher than most restaurants, helping them make a profit at store level despite high taxes and regulations in the sector.

Beer Cafe was the first company in the beer quick service restaurant space, which also saw marquee tea and coffee brands, Chaayos and Starbucks, foray into the same year in 2012.

Taxation on Beer

In India, the alcoholic-beverage industry, including beer, is heavily regulated, with excise and other taxes forming an important source of revenue for state governments. Due to this, it is difficult for most companies and retailers to register higher profits.

The beer attracts the highest taxation of any beverage in the country, with only 5% alcohol in beer on average. Furthermore, beer retails from as low as Rs 36 for a Kingfisher beer bottle in Goa to Rs 115 in Madhya Pradesh, indicating how there is a huge price disparity for the same brand.

“With equity infusion of just Rs 84 crore till now, we have done gross revenue of over Rs 500 crore since we started. The burn has come down significantly and the leverage is kicking in,” Singh stated.

Indian Beer Market

As per the report, India Beer Market Overview, 2018-2023, The Indian Alcoholic beverages market observed the highest market share of Whisky which is followed by brandy & beer. Indian Beer market has a market share of 17%, being third in the Indian alcohol beverages market.

The rise in disposable income of the Indian population has somewhere led the consumers to shift from standard beers to premium and craft beers. The population is turning more brand conscious, offering numerous business opportunities to entrepreneurs.

The beer consumption in India, in volume terms, is less than 1.5% of global beer volumes, while spirits consumption is as much as 12%. Also, the country’s per capita beer consumption at around 2 litres per annum remains materially below other markets.

Bira 91, Sequoia India-backed domestic beer brand, has introduced a sub-brand Boom to foray into the mass beer market.

Boom will be available in 330 ml, 650 ml bottles, and 500 ml cans, and in two variants, including Classic and Super Strong. It will be accessible across key markets such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The 650 ml bottle of Boom is priced between Rs 130-160 in the respective markets

Ankur Jain, Founder & CEO of B9 Beverages, which owns and sells Bira 91 brand of beers, said, "We strongly believe that consumers across all socio-economic and geographic spectrum want flavor in the beers that they consume. Bira 91 BOOM has been designed to fill that gap in the market and bring flavor to the masses. We aim to activate 10 new states and go deeper into our existing markets with this product"

In May 2018, B9 Beverages had raised Rs 332.6 crore from Sofina at a reported valuation of Rs 1,300- Rs 1,400 crore.

"The proceeds will be used primarily for expansion of Bira’ distribution in the Indian market, though we have also set foot in key global markets such as the US and Asia Pacific region,” Jain further stated.

Dutch beermaker Heineken has decided to invest $3.1 billion to earn stake in China's top brewer, marking its entry in Asian giant's booming and hotly contested market, the two groups announced Friday.

Heineken has signed a "non-binding" agreement with China Resources Beer to acquire 40 percent of CRH, the listed entity controlling the Chinese group, for a total of 24.35 billion Hong Kong dollars, according to a statement.

In return, China Resources Beer will buy a 0.9 percent stake in Heineken for 464 million euros ($537 million).

The Dutch firm, which operates three breweries in the country, will merge its operations in China with those of its new partner.

Heineken will also grant its partner permission to market its eponymous beer brand in the country.

The deal allows Beijing-based China Resources Beer, known above all for low-cost brands like Snow Beer, to add a well-known premium brand to its line-up.

The merger of Heineken and its Chinese partner signals the growing competition in the Chinese market, with consumers turning towards foreign beers and better quality products as middle class incomes rise.

China market which is dominated by local brewers has three Chinese groups controlling more than 40 percent of the market, according to figures from Euromonitor International cited by Bloomberg News.

China Resources recently controlled 18 percent of the country's beer sales, followed by number two competitor Tsingtao.

The inclusion of Denmark's Carlsberg and Belgium's AB Inbev are putting pressure on prices and lowering margins, intensifying the rivalries between international giants. The pressure has prompted certain foreign groups to withdraw, including Japan's Asahi.

China, the world's largest market for beer production, "is forecast to be the biggest contributor to premium volume growth in the next five years, driven by its rapidly growing middle class," Heineken said in its release.

CEO Jean-Francois van Boxmeer praised the "winning combination" of Heineken's "strong brand" and China Resources Beer's extensive distribution network in the country.

The soaring mercury this summer was not been able to check the steep fall in beer sales in the state.

As per the date available with the excise department, beer sales started plummeting in December 2017, and they never recovered. The summer — usually a “high-sales” season for beer — saw the figures dropping further. In comparison to sales during the same time last year, March 2018 recorded a 16% drop in beer sales, while February 2018 lagged behind February 2017 by 13%.

Sales had picked up in the city right after the highway liquor ban was lifted last year. However, soon after, they went into a nosedive. Sources in the liquor industry said the lifting of the ban was followed by a massive excise duty hike, which pushed beer sales to rock-bottom.

No new liquor company is currently willing to enter the Maharashtra market due to the continuous hikes in excise duties and archaic liquor laws, revealed a city-based retailer. “Earlier, Maharashtra used to account for nearly 40% of the revenue of a company with a national presence. That is no longer the case. Because of higher duties, the companies cannot sell their products at prices below a particular point. So there is no revenue generation. Production cost is also on the higher side and there are also these archaic rules pulling the industry down,” he said.

Another retailer said, “There has been a massive drop in sales at our store. Beer has become so expensive that people can no longer get the same kind of satisfaction. Customers have to pay anywhere between Rs 160 and Rs 200 for a 650ml bottle of beer. Just three years ago, it used to cost between Rs 100 and Rs 120. The prices went up in November last year due to excise duty revision. But at that time, not many felt the pinch because the shops then had just reopened after the liquor ban. Also, it was winter — a lean period for beer sales. However, even during the summer months, the sales continued to drop,” he said, adding that beer companies too have begun complaining about this.

That the customers have not taken the price hike was endorsed by another retailer. “The last excise duty hike did not go down well with the customers. Those who drink at resto-bars and permit rooms can still absorb such exorbitant hikes, but customers who buy their liquor to drink at home cannot afford to do so. The very reason they drink at home is that it is more economical,” he said.

The retailer added that after the hike, one can of a popular beer brand now costs Rs 161. Earlier, it sold for Rs 140. “Why would any customer pay an extra Rs 21 for something as small as a can of beer? Light beer drinkers now refrain from drinking, while strong drinkers have now switched to Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL),” he said.

Danish brewer Carlsberg claims 30% by volume growth in Indian market due to lower base and increasing market share of its strong beer brand Tuborg.

"Our Indian volumes grew by more than 30% due to market share gains and also very easy comparable as Q1 last year was weak being impacted by the highway ban," Heine Dalsgaard, chief financial officer at Carlsberg said in a telephonic conversation.

Over the past two years, there have been policy changes in West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to allow liquor sales only through government-owned corporations, similar to states such as Delhi, Rajasthan, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Supreme Court restrictions last year on the sale of alcohol near state and national highways led to the closure of about a third or about 30,000 of the country’s liquor vends, causing a drop in demand for beer and spirits. The court subsequently clarified its ruling, easing conditions for liquor sales and allowing many outlets to reopen.

However, Carlsberg, the world's third-largest brewer, said it doesn't expect any further disruptions. "In general, we don't see a further announcement of the regulations to come up but we see in tax issue in West Bengal so that probably there will be an increase in the excise," Cees ’t Hart, global chief executive officer, Carlsberg told analysts.

The brewer has about 18% market share in India backed by Carlsberg Elephant and Tuborg in a market skewed towards strong beer. Last year, it set up its eight breweries in the country.

In India, Tuborg accounts for more than two-thirds of the company's annual sales. The country is largely a whiskey and spirits dominated market and per capita consumption of beer in India is about 2 litres per person a year, which is little compared with the global average of about 30 litres. And strong beer segment accounts for about 80% of the market.

Heineken NV, the world's third-largest brewer, on Sunday opened a $60-million brewery joint-venture just outside Yangon, returning to one of Asia's most promising beer markets after exiting in 1997 amid international condemnation of the human rights abuses of the military government at that time, reported Reuters.

Heineken's Regal Seven beer is set to rival the Tuborg and Yoma brands by Carlsberg, which in May became the first foreign brewer to set up in Myanmar as it emerges from 49 years of military rule.

"Myanmar is on faster trajectory of growth and its disposable income will rise for common people in coming years," said Vijay Dhayal, senior consultant at financial advisors New Crossroads Asia.

Myanmar's beer industry is dominated by state-backed Myanmar Brewery, and beer consumption rates are some of the lowest in Asia at just 3.2 litres per person in 2013, according to the latest data from research firm Euromonitor International, well below the 31 litres per person in neighbouring Thailand.

But with consumer spending expected to rise as economic reforms kick in, foreign brewers hope Burmese will want more beer, especially the branded kind. Euromonitor forecasts the value of the beer market to almost double to $675 million in three years time from an estimated $375 million this year.

Heinken's Myanmar brewery is a joint venture with privately owned Alliance Brewery Co Ltd (ABC), majority-owned by local spirits entrepreneur Aung Moe Kyaw.

Analysts, however, say the dominance of Myanmar Brewery, which has an 80 percent market share, will be tough to crack.

"This will not be an easy game for foreign firms," said Alec Maurice, Business Development Officer at consultancy Thura Swiss. "Myanmar consumers are often very loyal to their brands, especially in the beer sector."

RI Bureau

The Beer cafe, which is first of its kind alco-beverage chain, is all set to explore Indian as well as global markets this year.

The brand which has 22 outlets “pouring” in India will be launching the newest and 23rd one in Mumbai on 6th June.

“We are in the midst of fitting out 15 new outlets across Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, which will take the store count to 38.

These would be operational within the next 6 months,” shared Rahul Singh, Founder and MD, The Beer Cafe.

The cafe has received its second round of funding in December, 2014 which is being used to fuel their expansion.

“We are not looking at raising fresh funds at the moment,” added Singh.

Meanwhile, the group is also planning to enter global markets by opening its first outlet in Singapore very soon.

“We would be the first Indian chain in this space to go global. Singapore will be our first destination and we should have two outlets there within this fiscal year,” explained Singh.

The beer chain is presently serving over 50 varieties of beer from 17 different countries. And they have both draught and bottled beers.

Adding to the same line, Singh added, “65 per cent of our outlet revenues come from Beer, and the highest revenue earners are the imported draught beers.”

As told to Nusra