​Beverage News from India & the World

24 Jul 2024, London: Mexican beer brand Corona Extra (brand value up 40% to USD10.4 billion) has reclaimed the title of the world’s most valuable beer brand, according to a new report by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. Heineken (brand value up 18% to USD9 billion) and Budweiser (brand value up 11% to USD7.4 billion) claim second and third spot. 
Following a 3.9-point increase in its Brand Strength Index (BSI) score to 85.9 out of 100, Corona has also recorded a noteworthy uptick in brand strength, securing the position as the third strongest beer brand globally. According to research conducted by Brand Finance, consideration, familiarity, overall reputation, and usage metrics have shown a global uptick year-on-year. 
Corona's strategic initiatives have bolstered its brand recognition and reputation beyond its consumer appeal. Earlier this year, the announcement of Corona Cero as the official sponsor of the Paris 2024 Olympics marked a historic moment, as it became the first beer brand to sponsor the event. 
Corona Extra is also the world’s fastest growing beer brand, followed by Spain’s Estrella Damm (brand value up 37% to USD1.4 billion) and Singapore’s Tiger (brand value up 30% to USD1.5 billion).Henry Farr, Director, Brand Finance, commented:  “Corona has once again reclaimed the title of the world’s most valuable beer brand, a position it previously held for four consecutive years between 2019-2022. This reaffirms the brand's leadership and mirrors evolving consumer preferences for premium and quality offerings. It also offers insights into the broader landscape of the beer industry, where brands committed to quality and innovation are redefining market standards.”  
China’s Tsingtao (brand value up 21% to USD 2.6 billion) is the world's strongest beer brand, with a BSI score of 87.0 out of 100. Tsingtao maintains a robust presence at home and abroad, with its products now available in over 100 countries worldwide. Through strategic partnerships with distribution channels, Tsingtao continues to fortify its position in key markets, ensuring its widespread accessibility and market growth. Recently, the brand unveiled a new non-alcoholic alternative, showcasing its dedication to adapting to changing consumer preferences. 
Tsingtao is not alone in its pursuit of international markets. For years, Asian beer brands have been expanding into Western territories. Notably, Japan's Asahi Group Holdings and Kirin (brand value down 1% to USD 3.1 billion), have made significant inroads into Western markets through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, demonstrating a longstanding trend of globalisation in the beer industry.
(excerpt from a release)

Heineken (brand value up 10% to USD7.6 billion) has overtaken Corona Extra (brand value up 6% to USD7.4 billion) to become the world’s most valuable beer brand. Despite the inflationary pressures being faced by consumers, beer brands continue to see brand value growth. Further, Heineken also ranked second in terms of brand strength.
Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts 5,000 of the biggest brands to the test, and publishes over 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 50 most valuable and strongest Beer brands are included in the annual Brand Finance Beer 50 2023 ranking.

Asahi isn’t bitter, earning world’s strongest beer brand title with a AAA+ rating 
Asahi (brand value up 11% to USD2.8 billion) is the world’s strongest beer brand, earning a brand strength index score of 92.6 out of 100, and a corresponding AAA+ rating. As Japan’s most popular beer brand, regional support has been a key driver in developing brand strength.

Tsingtao and Zhujiang from China giving the buzz with two fastest brand value growth around global beer market
Zhujiang (brand value up 44% to US$680 million) claims the title of beer’s fasted-growing brand, followed by Tsingtao (up 39% to US$2.1 billion). Zhujiang grew this past year, in part, thanks to its improved standing with younger, more price-sensitive consumers. While competitors have opted for price hikes, Zhujiang has maintained stable beer prices, offering a quality, mid-price alternative. Tsingtao’s impressive brand value growth links directly to the brand’s revitalised business model. In 2022, Tsingtao launched over 250 taverns and introduced the brand’s new and immersive customer-centric strategy.

Mont Saint Guibert, Belgium 
In an effort to better serve the global brewing community Yakima Chief Hops (YCH), the largest grower-owned hop supplier based in Yakima, Washington, has completed construction of a state-of-the-art cold storage warehouse in Belgium.
Yakima Chief Hops has been supplying brewers worldwide with quality hops for more than 30 years. Developing some of the most cutting-edge products in the market, YCH has become a driver for creativity and innovation in the global beer industry. The expansion into Europe will greatly improve the YCH customer experience, including increased access to their extensive portfolio of products and varieties as well as improved logistics and faster delivery times to brewery customers.
“Establishing a foundation here in Europe speaks to the commitment YCH has to delivering the highest quality hops directly to its global brewing customers,” said Denis Gayte – Managing Director for YCH Europe. “Our new facility ensures that our hops grown in America’s Pacific Northwest can be stored here in Europe and delivered to customers in the best possible condition.”
Located in Mont Saint Guibert, the 6,600 sqm2 warehouse includes cold storage capacity to house up to 8,800 pallets of hops, office space, a taproom and a visitor center where customers can learn about hops and sample beers using YCH products. YCH also invested in a homebrew production line allowing the ability to offer high-quality hop pellets in smaller size packaging for home and nano brewers. 
The facility was also designed with sustainability in mind, as it supports an 1800-panel solar array, producing 750 MW of energy, or about half of the building’s total consumption. The green construction, design and operation plan centers around waste diversion, water conservation and healthfulness of interior spaces. The building runs on renewable energy and uses higher efficiency fixtures that reduce energy and water consumption.
(Excerpt from a release)

Lahti in Finland is the European Green Capital 2021 and a local brew house Ant Brew celebrates the same by creating a beer using food waste, wild herbs and goose droppings to share a message of waste less circular economy. 
Ant Brew uses left over bread, fruits, berries etc. They also use goose droppings collected from parks to smoke their malt. "This series of beers is our way to create important discussions about food waste, utilization of waste, urban farming, and local and wild food among beer enthusiasts. Working with the Lahti Green Capital has been great. We are constantly developing ways to utilize new ingredients in brewing, and are not afraid to think outside of the box" says Ant Brew’s Kari Puttonen.

Mumbai, India
The Happy High, one of the leading wine & spirit education co  now has a category called shopping where we have hand picked recommendations from Amazon for your home bar namely; glassware, bar accessories, wine accessories, cocktail and wine books and also added some interesting syrups and mixers.
An average consumer in India is surely in for a confusing ride when s/he browses an online store showing hundreds of pages for a certain product,at The Happy High they are attempting to bring in convenience with a shortlist basis their experience and a little bit of research. They have mostly listed value for money or budget recommendations which work beautifully but in certain categories like glassware, they have showcased luxury wine decanters, high end whisky decanters, crystal wine glasses etc too. The list is concise and to the point.
" We have created this barware, glassware and wine accessory section to make home bar shopping easy for our consumers who want to pick bartender certified or recommended equipment and tools. The whole idea is to empower consumers and make them a cocktail party or a wine evening ready host." says Ajit Balgi, Chief at The Happy High. 
They plan to keep editing the list on an ongoing basis by taking customer feedback, suggestions and requests. Home Bar Shopping  now looks easy! You can see them in the links below:
Glassware for the home bar
​- Luxury Crystal lead free wine glasses
- Cocktail glasses
- Value for money, premium wine glasses 
- Wine and whisky Decanters
- Whisky, cognac,liqueur glasses 
Bar accessories for the home bar
-Cocktail shaker, Boston, Japanese
- Bar Spoons, Jiggers, Muddler
-Cocktail Strainer
- Pourer 30 ml
-Steel reusable straws
Wine accessories for the home bar
- Vacuum wine pumps
- Wine openers
- Electric wine openers
- Coravin for wine preservation
- Wine pourers & aerators
Syrups and Mixers for the home bar
- Cocktail Syrups, flavoured, maple etc
- Tonic Waters, Ginger Beer
- Nolo Beers, wheat and lager
- No alcohol wines
Cocktail and wine books for consumers

New Delhi
 Bira 91, one of the fastest growing craft beer brands, has entered into a major five-year deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The partnership, which runs through 2023, confirms Bira 91 as the official sponsor of - ICC global tournaments including the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, ICC World Test Championship, ICC U19 Cricket World Cup and the ICC Women's World Cup.
This is the brand's first foray into sports. As an official partner, Bira 91 will integrate the partnership across broadcast and digital platforms, and in-venue activations at all ICC events through their range of products (beer including non-alcoholic beer and hot sauce).
Speaking of the partnership, Ankur Jain, Founder & CEO, Bira 91, said, "The ICC partnership is a key moment for Bira 91 as we embark on creating the first global consumer brand to come out of India. A generational 'change of guard' in beer is underway as consumers shift towards beers with more color and flavor. World cricket is undergoing a similar generational change as it expands to more dynamic formats, newer geographies and consumers. We are excited to be part of the 'greatest celebrations of cricket' on the international stage and adding consumer experience driven activations by our innovative and delicious beers."
ICC has 104 member countries and continues to expand its global footprint by reinventing the game with the vision of making it more relevant for new spectators. That outreach, including targeting women and young people, matches with Bira 91's ambition and core philosophy: "Imagined in India, for the new world." The brand aspires to drive a global shift in beer towards more flavor and color.
Commenting on the agreement, Campell Jamieson, ICC General Manager Commercial said, "As we started negotiating the agreement with Bira 91, the natural overlaps in their ambitions and ours became obvious. Cricket has more than one billion adult fans and is a natural partner for this ambitious brand. The ICC is delighted to welcome Bira 91 on-board as an official partner and into the world cricketing family, and we look forward to working together for the next five years to deliver a strong partnership at ICC global events."
Bira 91 grew five times in the last fiscal year (ending March 31, 2018) and has scaled to be comparable to the top 10 craft breweries in the US in terms of volume in only three years since inception. Besides India, the company has expanded internationally to the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE and Bahrain, with imminent expansion in the UK and Vietnam. The company expects to expand its production footprint five-fold to 2,000,000 barrels before summer of 2019 from the current capacity of 350,000 barrels. 
With the global craft beer market projected to reach over $502B by 2025, and the market expected to witness substantial growth over the forecast period due to the rising demand for craft beers, Bira 91's growth comes at an opportune time to corner a rising market and reach emerging consumers.

Mumbai, India
The iconic Goan beer King's now owned by Sachin Joshi's Viiking Ventures  has now launched the strong variant King's Maxx and would be available across Goa and Maharashtra very soon, with the rest of the states not too far. Being brewed in Goa, the beer holds a signature taste and has been a preferred choice for the beer lovers. Just last year, the group won the prestigious ‘Iconic Brands Of India’ award for Goa King’s Premium Pilsner and they intend to emulate the same success with their new SKU - MaXX
( Excerpt from a release)

Mumbai,India

United Breweries Limited has launched Kingfisher Ultra MAX, a higher-alcohol variant of its hugely successful premium beer brand Kingfisher ULTRA, catering to Indian beer drinkers’ evolving taste for a refined premium strong beer. Kingfisher Ultra MAX, undergoes a slow-brewing process and a prolonged maturation, using fine imported pilsen malts to produce a smooth, crisp and refined strong beer, with a distinct and pleasant malty note. 

Each facet of the brand offering ranging from its unique taste to contemporary packaging spells class, elegance and sophistication. Kingfisher Ultra MAX stands out with striking black and gold graphics, designed by the London-based Claessens International, featuring the iconic kingfisher bird soaring skywards. The brand will be available in 650ml and 330ml bottles with the added convenience of a ring-pull cap. A 500ml can will complete the SKU offering in the launch phase. In line with its premium positioning, world-class brew and distinct packaging, Kingfisher Ultra MAX will be priced at the top end of the beer pyramid, making it the most premium strong beer brand in the country. In Bangalore, the brand retails at Rs 150, Rs 120 and Rs 90 for the 650ml, 500ml and 330ml SKUs respectively. 

Commenting on the launch, Samar Singh Sheikhawat, Senior Vice-President (Marketing), United Breweries Limited, said, “The market for higher alcohol beers has been growing consistently over the years, and continues to develop both in terms of volume and salience to the total market. The Indian Beer drinker today is seeking differentiation in terms of a more refined taste and palate, and is willing to pay for this added value. Re-enforcing our commitment to providing the best to our consumers, we have launched Kingfisher Ultra MAX as an extension of our hugely successful Kingfisher ULTRA brand, and now the Indian beer drinker, can enjoy a distinctive, refined beer packed with a punch.”  
(Excerpt from a press release)

Bengaluru, India
Heineken®, the world’s No.1 international premium beer announced the launch of the STAR CANin India, coinciding with the global roll-out of the newmodern and progressive STAR CAN design which conveys sophisticated simplicity. In India, Heineken is currently available in 650ml and 330ml bottles and the latest500ml aluminum STAR CAN, which expands the brand offering in India, is expected to attract new consumers and cater to more consumption occasions.  

Commenting on the launch, Samar Singh Sheikhawat - Senior Vice-President, Marketing, United Breweries Limited said, “Heineken STAR CAN will be launched in a phased manner, beginning with Daman, Goa, Delhi, Pondicherry & Bangalore, followed by other key consumption markets like Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Haryana, UP and Punjab. Cans will help increase the sales of Heineken and we expect the overall brand to grow organically by over 50% this year. We hope to extend the drinking experience to more drinking occasions and reach out to new consumers.” 

Heineken has been targeting the globe-trotting, James Bond-inspired demographic through its various initiatives and the new can plays into the image.  The Heineken Star Can will be available in the 500ml size and will be priced at Rs120/- in Maharashtra & Bangalore. The can is priced at Rs 100/- and Rs 70/- in Delhi & Goa respectively. 

Commenting on the STAR CAN, Mark van Iterson, Manager - Heineken® Global Design & Concept said, “The packaging design of Heineken® must always stay true to its core values, it must be progressive and iconic and it must be clearly recognizable on the retailers’ shelf. The visibility of the aluminum on the STAR CAN creates a fresh, masculine look with an open character. Bare aluminum looks very fresh and thirst-quenching when you take the can out of the fridge. The red star is one of our most important visual symbols and has always been part of the brand identity. We’ve made it larger and more visible so it really stands out to consumers.”
(Excerpt from a Press Release)