Ab Inbev and IHCL partner to launch microbreweries in India

International brewing firm Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has signed an agreement to launch a chain of microbreweries at The Indian Hotels Company’s (IHCL) hotels.

Under the Rs.1.5bn ($21.2m) partnership agreement, AB InBev plans to open 15 microbreweries across key locations in India over the next five years.

Budweiser APAC executive director and CEO Jan Craps said: “We are delighted to partner with IHCL with its portfolio of exceptional hotels to open speciality microbreweries across top urban cities of India.

“The microbreweries will be conceptualised by ZX Ventures, our global innovation and investment team that will bring in their global brewing expertise to develop the current ecosystem and delight our consumers.”

As part of the deal, AB InBev will offer its in-house brewing expertise to produce craft beers using the natural ingredients, while IHCL will provide its culinary prowess and exemplary service.

Germany-based JOI Design will design the microbreweries.

IHCL managing director and CEO Puneet Chhatwal said: “In our endeavour to bring the latest international trends and experiences for our guests, we are privileged to join hands with the world’s largest brewer, AB InBev.

“With its diverse collection of over 500 beer brands, AB InBev will be involved in setting up on-site microbreweries at some of our iconic hotels; the first of which will be at Taj MG Road, Bengaluru, followed by Goa, Mumbai and Hyderabad.”

In July, AB InBev launched its non-alcoholic Budweiser 0.0 beer in the Indian market.

Budweiser 0.0 has been produced using the regular recipe, which contains barley malt, choice hops, yeast, filtered water and the beechwood ageing process.