United Breweries Limited (UBL)
The beginning of what is today The UB Group is rooted in the flagship company, United Breweries Limited, (UBL) also referred to as the Beer Division of the UB Group. Led by Mr. Kalyan Ganguly, President & Managing Director, it is the market leader for beers in India.
UBL has an association with brewing dating back over nine decades, starting with 5 breweries in South India in 1915. From bullock cart-loaded barrels or 'hogheads' of frothing ale, the beer business has gone on to become the undisputed 'king' in the Indian beer market. UBL today boasts an impressive spread of own and contract manufacturing facilities throughout the country. Here, innovative, creative and aggressive marketing is complemented by a strong distribution network. A management focused on building brand equity on one hand and exploiting it to the hilt on the other.
Quality and hygiene are the key elements of the United Breweries' manufacturing philosophy. To this end, the Central Scientific Laboratory (CSL), headquartered at Bangalore sets standards for all its breweries. Quality Management Systems laid out along the lines of ISO 9000 are strictly adhered to, controlling quality at every stage of production,
from raw materials to the end product. Also, besides controlling the production process, the CSL analyses the Company's beer taken off market shelves all over the country, the competition's beers and beers from across the world. These beers are tested as per the standards laid down by the European Brewery Convention on 40 different parameters. By these standards, United Breweries' beers don't just equal, but even surpass, several Dutch and American beers.
Its flagship brand 'Kingfisher', has achieved international recognition consistently, and has
won many awards in International Beer Festivals. Kingfisher Premium Lager beer is currently available in 52 countries and leads the way amongst Indian beers in the International market. It has been ranked amongst the top 10 fastest growing brands in the UK.
ALLIANCE WITH HEINEKEN N.V.
Heineken Group (Heineken), holds 37.5% equity shares in United Breweries Ltd. The alliance will offer consumers the best portfolio of national and international brands in India, including Kingfisher, the number one Indian brand, and Heineken, the largest global beer brand.
UBL's outstanding skills as India's leading brewer and Heineken's global best practices will provide further strength to the business.
