The Business of Beer

As beer continues to be the third most popular drink after water and tea, it has made entrepreneurs thirstier for each and every drop in this sector. It’s no longer a reserved craft only to established players; start-ups are all set to brew a different revolution, given their number in this coolest segment as it is all set to become competitive.

- Punita Sabharwal

As they say scarcity sells, Indian startups realized the dearth of craft beer and the domination of regular Indian and international brands in the market. The hustle started on craft beverages and as beer struggles to reclaim its former glory, start-ups are turning to newer crafts to disrupt your pint. Last year in our year opening issue, we predicted consumer brands to become the biggest trend for 2019 and here we are bringing forward not just upcoming trends for 2020 but also showcasing start-ups which are brewing disruption one sip at a time. The India Beer Market Outlook 2023 report states that the Indian beer market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 6 per cent during 2018-23. In this period, the report states, consumers will shift from standard to premium brands, spurring the launch of niche beer brands. The craft movement in India is still in its infant stage but is expected to grow a few times over in the next five years and occupy 10-12 per cent of the overall market (US craft market is 12.5 per cent in volume and about 25 per cent in revenue of the overall beer market). Can craft beer take over the big daddies of the beer market? Entrepreneur India delves deep into the spirit.

CRAFT BEER CHRONICLES