- British brewer Lion Brewery Co has re-entered the Indian market after an absence of more than six decades, launching its premium beer portfolio in Delhi as it seeks to tap into the country's fast-growing premium beer segment.
- The company has debuted in India with its Island Lager and Pale Ale, currently available in the Delhi market in 330 ml bottles.
- Lion Brewery Co has partnered with Copperdrop Spirits as its exclusive importer and distributor in India, with plans to expand distribution to Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the next phase.
- The brewer, founded in London in 1836, has historical links with India and was among the early producers and exporters of India Pale Ale (IPA), a beer style originally developed for export to the country during the British era.
- India's beer market is undergoing a significant premiumisation shift, with the overall market estimated at around USD 4.5 billion in 2023 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 8-10 per cent through 2028.
- The premium segment is growing faster than the overall market, at around 42-45 per cent annually, driven by rising urban disposable incomes and a shift toward milder or craft options.
British brewer Lion Brewery Co has made a significant comeback in India after more than six decades, launching its premium beer portfolio in Delhi. The company, founded in 1836 in London, aims to tap into the booming premium beer market, which is growing at an annual rate of over 40% due to rising urban disposable incomes and a shift towards craft options.1
Lion Brewery Co has partnered with Copperdrop Spirits as its exclusive importer and distributor, with plans to expand into Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The initial offerings include Island Lager and Pale Ale, available in 330 ml bottles in Delhi, with more formats expected to follow.23
“India is not just a new market for us, it's part of Lion brewery co's story,” said Will Julius, Managing Director of Lion Brewery Co. He expressed excitement about re-entering the market at a time when the premium segment is rapidly expanding.
According to IMARC Group, India’s overall beer market is estimated at around USD 4.5 billion in 2023, projected to grow at a CAGR of 8-10% through 2028. The premium segment is outpacing this growth, expanding at 42-45% annually. “We see strong potential for premium international craft brands in India,” said Rohan Khare of Copperdrop Spirits, highlighting the brand's heritage and quality that resonate with today’s Indian consumers.5
“Copperdrop Spirits will serve as Lion's exclusive importer and distributor, with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh planned for the next phase. Lion debuts Island Lager and Pale Ale in 330 ml bottles as India's premium segment grows over 40 per cent annually.”
