Kirin Holdings, a prominent Japanese beverage conglomerate, has announced its intention to invest Rs 205 crore to acquire an additional minority stake in B9 Beverages, the company behind the popular craft beer brand Bira 91 and the owner of Beer Cafe, a chain of pubs. This investment, facilitated through the purchase of fresh shares, will increase Kirin Holdings' ownership stake in B9 Beverages.

Simultaneously, an American investor is poised to inject $25 million into B9 Beverages, augmenting the total fresh investments to $50 million, valuing the company at $600 million before the influx of funds.

The allocated capital will be utilized by B9 Beverages to bolster its brewery infrastructure, expand its global retail footprint, and enhance the presence of Bira 91's Taproom pubs, as outlined in reports.

India's beer market has demonstrated significant growth, reaching Rs. 41,407 crore in 2023, with projections indicating sales could soar to Rs. 78,120 crore by 2032. B9 Beverages recorded a revenue of Rs. 824 crore for the fiscal year ending March 2023, marking a 14.6 percent upsurge from the previous fiscal year. Since its inception in 2015, B9 Beverages has been offering a variety of craft, lager, and strong beers under brands like Bira White, Gold, and Boom. Operating in 24 countries with six breweries, B9 Beverages has attracted investments from notable entities such as Sequoia Capital and Belgium’s Sofina.

In the past 15 months, Kirin Holdings and Japan’s MUFG Bank have collectively injected $80 million into B9 Beverages. In December 2023, reports surfaced indicating B9 Beverages' intentions to raise Rs 400 crore in fresh funding from existing and new investors.

B9 Beverages made strategic acquisitions, including the takeover of Beer Cafe chain in October 2022 through an all-stock deal, establishing it as a wholly-owned subsidiary, and the acquisition of brewery company Kamakhya Beer & Bottling in a share-swap deal. These acquisitions underscore B9 Beverages' commitment to expanding its market presence and enhancing its product portfolio.

Kirin Holdings' investment in B9 Beverages underscores global interest in India's expanding beer market. B9 Beverages, known for its craft beer brand Bira 91, aligns with consumer preferences for premium and diverse offerings. The investment will fuel B9 Beverages' expansion plans, including brewery infrastructure, distribution, and Bira 91's Taproom pubs, enhancing brand loyalty. Strategic acquisitions like the Beer Cafe chain and Kamakhya Beer & Bottling strengthen B9 Beverages' market presence and product range. This reflects optimism in India's beer industry growth, emphasizing partnerships and investments as key drivers of its evolution.