DB Breweries reportedly acquired the licensing rights of Kingfisher beer from India-based United Breweries.

Owned by Dutch brewing company Heineken, DB Breweries will manufacture and distribute Kingfisher beer in New Zealand and Australia from next year.

DB Breweries sales director Paul Millward was quoted by www.nzherald.co.nzas saying: “Kingfisher, in terms of dollars of the beer category in New Zealand, [makes up] 1.5% of the beer category so this is quite a significant brand.

“It’s also the largest and fastest-growing Asian beer brand in New Zealand. We’re pretty rapt with the win.”

Kingfisher beer has been sold in New Zealand for more than a decade. As part of the latest deal, DB Breweries will acquire a license from Asahi Beverages’ firm Independent Liquor in February next year.

Kingfisher beer will be added to DB Breweries’ portfolio, which includes international beer brands such as Tiger and Heineken. The company will focus on managing the brand and growing its distribution across the country.

Last year, Kingfisher beer sales in New Zealand exceeded NZ$16m ($10.6m).

DB managing director Peter Simons was quoted by the website as saying: “Kingfisher will be an exciting addition to our product offering and I know we’ve been chosen to distribute the product because of DB’s ability to drive growth in the premium beer category.

“We are excited to be taking on the brand and are preparing to lift its profile as part of our wider portfolio. Our expert marketers are looking forward to getting stuck into the brand and working with our high-performing sales and brewing teams to take Kingfisher in New Zealand to the next level.”

Currently, Heineken owns a minority stake in United Breweries.