Beverage Travel: beer and beer bath in Prague, the world’s drinking capital
Known as beer Drinking Capital of the World, Prague is the best place for beer lovers. Here, you can also soak in a vat filled with beer. That’s a beer bath. | Travel Key Points
Hindustan TimesJapanese Co Kirin to invest $25m more in B9 beverages
The transaction, made through purchase of fresh shares, will boost Kirin's holding in B9 Beverages beyond the current nearly 20%, the executives said requesting anonymity. Another American financial investor is also close to investing $25 million for an additional stake in B9 Beverages, which is expected to be closed in the coming weeks, said one of the executives cited above. Key Points
Economic TimesKarnataka orders beer makers to halt third shift of operations
The decision could lead to a significant disruption in brewing products in India's second largest beer consuming state. However, the notice has not been issued to spirits manufacturers for their distilleries, and beer makers fear demand could shift towards hard liquor if there are supply constraints for their brands. Companies including United Breweries, AB InBev, Bira and Carlsberg together own seven breweries in Karnataka, all operating in three shifts and are among their largest in the country. Key Points
Economic TimesBira91 parent plans a Rs 400-crore fund shot for expansion plans
The fresh fundraise comes at a time when the Indian beer market is forecast to almost double to $10 billion in a decade. This is expected to come from robust out-of-home demand at bars, restaurants, hotels, younger consumers, an evolving retail environment and new flavours and innovation in craft beers. The increase will come despite the Indian alcobev market being heavily taxed and pricing being controlled by individual state governments. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia needs to lower taxes on beer to spur demand, says Budweiser chief Jan Craps
Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest beer company, has urged India to lower beer taxes to boost demand. The company has invested $1.5 billion in India over the last decade and pays nearly $500 million annually in tax payments. India is now the fourth largest market for Budweiser globally by volume sales, with premium brands contributing to two-thirds of its total sales. Key Points
Economic Timesbeer will cost more, taste worse. Blame global warming
The yield and quality in hops-growing regions in Europe fell sharply after 1995. Warmer, drier conditions will probably further deplete this key beer ingredient by 2050. Key Points
ThePrintIn Delhi’s beer market, strong brews trump big brands— ‘more bang for buck’
Delhi govt data shows that top 20 best-selling beers in the capital mainly fall into the ‘strong’, ‘super strong’, or ‘extra strong’ categories. Several regional labels feature too. Key Points
ThePrint‘Can’t bottle or keg, sell to other businesses’ — what’s holding back Delhi’s microbrewery scene
5 yrs after they were allowed in Delhi, the city still has only 6 microbreweries. Owners say restrictive excise policy poses many challenges & leaves them with little room to experiment. Key Points
ThePrintDoctors think kids should not drink nonalcoholic beers
Doctors agree that nonalcoholic beers are not suitable for kids. It can introduce alcohol early and normalize teen drinking behaviors — it could be a disaster later in life. Key Points
InsiderHappy hours! Van carrying beer bottles overturns in Andhra district, locals swoop in to loot
A van carrying hundreds of cases of beer overturned in an Andhra Pradesh district on Tuesday. Soon, local people rushed to the site to claim the unbroken bottles of beer. Key Points
India Today
No proof of sacked electrician being impacted due to alcohol consumption, rules Spanish court
The high court in Murcia in south-eastern Spain ruled that it was wrong on the electricity company's part to fire a man who was found drinking more than three litres of beer in one day. The court said there was no proof that the man's "physical and mental faculties" could have been affected due to consumption of alcohol. Key Points
India TodayUFC: Bud Light is official beer partner despite controversy
The UFC has announced a new partnership with Bud Light as its official beer partner starting in 2024. This comes after a controversy earlier this year surrounding the brand. UFC CEO Dana White expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, citing shared values and brand alignment. Bud Light replaces Modelo as the UFC's official beer partner. Key Points
Economic TimesGermany's biggest beer festival opens under tight security after attacks
The festival drew seven million visitors last year who consumed 6.5 million litres of beer. The price of beer, however, has risen over 15 euros due to inflation. Key Points
India TodayBira 91 raises $10 million from Japan's MUFG Bank
Presently with a market share of 5% across key regions in India, Bira 91 has tripled its pre-COVID numbers.Brewer refrained from disclosing valuation or MUFG's stake in it after funding round. Key Points
Economic TimesAhead of New Year, Karnataka govt denies breweries in Mysuru permission to run 3rd shift
Govt in its order cited shortage of excise dept officials to oversee operations. Brewery employee from Mysuru said it is difficult to ‘quantify impact’ of order just yet. Key Points
ThePrint
Summer Rush: Consumer companies' production in top gear
White goods makers are increasing production and running their cooling product line of air conditioners, refrigerators, coolers and chest freezers at 90-100% capacity compared with 60-70% in January-February. Even fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and beer companies are running their assembly lines at full steam. Key Points
Economic TimesTop brewer AB InBev hikes dividend, but no new share buyback
Anheuser-Busch InBev raised its annual dividend by 9% on Thursday, though analysts warned investors may be disappointed by the absence of a new share buyback and worse-than-expected U.S. sales. Key Points
Business TodayLiquor to cost more in Uttar Pradesh from today
With the new policy, the prices of country liquor 5, English 10 and beer will increase by Rs 5 to 7. From April 1, a 200 ml packet of country liquor with 25 per cent strength will increase from Rs 50 to Rs 55. Key Points
Economic Timesbeer faces unbitter future due to climate change: study
Scanty rains, rising temperatures are reducing yields for crops around the world. beer gets its refreshing tartness from concentration of compounds, which is also being hit due to climate change. Key Points
Economic TimesUB to stir up the barrels to get its 'premium' back
United Breweries, the largest beer company in India, is working to regain market share in the premium segment and improve its fundamentals amidst increasing competition and regulatory challenges. The company aims to address supply chain issues, route-to-market changes, and administrative hurdles that have impacted its growth. United Breweries plans to invest ₹350 crore in capital expenditure and is seeking to ease barriers in the business by engaging with key stakeholders. The company, along with AB InBev and Carlsberg, controls 90% of India's beer market, with AB InBev gaining market share in recent times. Key Points
Economic Times
Haryana's new liquor excise policy: Corporate offices in Haryana can now serve alcohol
Corporate offices in Haryana with at least 5,000 staff and minimum covered area of 100,000 sq ft will be allowed to consume low-alcoholic drinks like beer and wine within office premises from June, according to the state's new liquor excise policy. The corporates will have to pay an annual fixed fee of INR1m ($13,700), irrespective of the size of their workforce for availing of the in-house liquor service in canteens or eateries. Key Points
Economic TimesPre-IPO party: Tiger Pacific Capital latest to pour into Bira 91 Keg
Tiger Pacific Capital acquires 4% of B9 Beverages for $25 million, strengthening its capital base. The acquisition includes strategic partners and blue chip financial sponsors across geographies. Ankur Jain plans to raise $50 million for pre-IPO companies and listed securities. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia Vs Australia: With shots & deliveries, companies ready for World Cup Final
Bars and restaurants are creating Bleed Blue shots and Shami and Virat menus coupled with consumer promotions. Delivery platforms have asked companies to increase supplies of soft drinks and snacks in expectation of demand shooting up as fans gather at homes to watch the final together. Theatres, clubs and condominiums are hosting live screenings. Key Points
Economic TimesWhy brewers aren't worried about Wegovy users drinking less beer
Global brewers AB InBev (ABI.BR) and Carlsberg (CARLb.CO) this week played down concerns among some investors that demand for weight-loss drugs may lead to a sharp drop in beer drinking. Key Points
ReutersSunny Deol recalls drinking alcohol for the first time to fit in English society
Sunny Deol once caught his son Rajveer Deol after he had his first beer and came home. Unlike his sons, the actor said he doesn't drink or smoke. | Bollywood Key Points
Hindustan Times
Premium liquor prices in Karnataka set to surge by 20%, becoming the costliest in India
Recent budget also proposed increasing the AED on beer from Rs 175 to Rs 185. As a result, the price of a 650ml bottle of beer will rise from Rs 170 to Rs 187. With this latest hike, Karnataka will become one of the most expensive states in terms of beer prices Key Points
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