International brewing firm Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) has 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.

At the final stage, the alcohol is removed while retaining the taste of beer.

AB InBev South Asia president Ben Verhaert told media sources: “While the market for non-alcohol beers is still nascent in India, as a leading brewer, we see an opportunity to grow in this segment.

“The launch is in line with our Global Smart Drinking Goals to ensure that low and no alcohol beer make up at least 20% of our global beer volume by 2025.

“Beer is a drink of moderation and our objective is to offer our consumers various choices to enjoy beer freely and responsibly.”

According to 2018 figures, 8% of the company’s global beer volumes have come from low and non-alcoholic beverages.

Priced at Rs80 ($1.16) for a 330ml can and Rs90 ($1.31) for a 330ml bottle, Budweiser 0.0 will be available in modern trade and departmental stores across various cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata.

Additionally, the company said that its non-alcohol beer would be available across e-commerce platforms.

With its new zero-alcohol variant, the company also intends to foray into the state of Gujarat where the sale of alcohol is prohibited.

AB InBev anticipates that non-alcoholic beverages could also generate additional business for the company.