Archive · 9 Jan 2026
United Breweries Launches Kingfisher Smooth in Premium Push
United Breweries, which makes Kingfisher beer, has launched a new strong beer called Kingfisher Smooth in Rajasthan.
They plan to sell it in other places like Karnataka soon.
The company, owned by Heineken, wants to grow in India because many young people are starting to drink beer.
They think beer is a big opportunity because people in India don't drink it very often.
The company's boss, Vivek Gupta, says they will keep making new kinds of beer to attract more people.
They also have other premium beers like Heineken Silver and Amstel Grande that are selling well.
The company hopes the beer market will grow by 5-6% next year, but bad weather and government rules could affect this.
United Breweries (UBL) has launched Kingfisher Smooth, a strong beer, in Rajasthan, with plans to expand to Karnataka and other regions within a year.
UBL, owned by Heineken, is focusing on India as a key market for beer growth, targeting young consumers and those new to alcohol.
The company's premium beer portfolio, including Heineken Silver and Amstel Grande, is growing at over 20% annually.
UBL controls over 50% of India's beer market, with annual volume sales exceeding 200 million cases.
The company expects the beer market to grow by 5-6% in 2026, but this depends on state government policies and weather conditions.
- Who
- United Breweries (UBL) and its parent company Heineken
- What
- Launch of Kingfisher Smooth, a strong beer, and expansion of premium beer portfolio
- When
- Recently launched in Rajasthan, with plans to expand to Karnataka and other regions within a year
- Where
- India, starting in Rajasthan, with plans to expand to Karnataka and other regions
- Why
- To capture the growing beer market in India, particularly among younger consumers and those new to alcohol
- Company
- United Breweries (UBL)
- Parent Company
- Heineken
- New Product
- Kingfisher Smooth
- Market Share
- Over 50% of India's beer market
- Annual Growth
- Premium portfolio growing at over 20% per annum
- Market Size
- 400-420 million cases annually
- Target Market
- India, with focus on Rajasthan and Karnataka
- CEO
- Vivek Gupta