United Breweries commissioned a new canning line at its Ellora Brewery in Maharashtra on September 1, 2026. The ₹110 crore investment aims to strengthen manufacturing productivity and support premiumization.

The facility, located in the Waluj MIDC area of Chhatrapati Sambhajnagar, is expected to become operational in September 2026, subject to statutory approvals. This addition strengthens the company's manufacturing footprint in one of India's most important beer markets.

Capacity and Operational Impact

The new line is Ellora Brewery's first canning line and among the fastest in United Breweries' network. It has a capacity of 40,000 cans per hour. Adding this capability alongside existing bottling infrastructure provides greater packaging flexibility to meet evolving consumer preferences for cans.

The investment allows better utilisation of existing packaging infrastructure, improving operational agility. United Breweries can now optimise packaging formats based on market demand within its current capacity of up to 1.5 million cases per month.

Product Portfolio and Strategy

The Ellora facility will initially produce cans of Kingfisher Strong, Kingfisher Premium, Bullet Strong and London Pilsner. This supports the company's premiumization strategy by catering to consumers choosing cans for convenience and a premium drinking experience.

Vivek Gupta, MD & CEO, United Breweries Limited, stated that Maharashtra has significant headroom for category growth and premiumization. He noted that consumer preference for cans is growing across occasions, and the new line enhances the ability to respond to these needs.

Broader Manufacturing Footprint

This commissioning follows the launch of a new canning line at United Breweries' Nizam Brewery in Telangana in July 2026. These consecutive investments underscore the company's focus on strengthening its manufacturing footprint and productivity across India.

Sustainability and Economic Impact

Beyond manufacturing, United Breweries continues to build local partnerships. An independent Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Study by Steward Redqueen found that in FY2024–25, the company supported approximately 295,000 employment opportunities across its value chain in India. It contributed ₹43,000 crore in value added to the Indian economy and generated ₹30,600 crore in tax revenue. The company sourced 93% of its procurement domestically.

In Maharashtra, the Project Oxygen Zone at Waluj MIDC has restored nearly five acres, created a two-lakh-litre water storage pond and planted 50,000 native saplings. This urban forest is expected to sequester 103.54 tCO₂ annually.

United Breweries has launched Heineken Silver in Kerala, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh effective August 25, 2026, expanding the premium beer brand's geographic presence in the country.

The launch marks a significant step in the distribution of Heineken Silver across India. The three states represent distinct regional markets, broadening the brand's reach beyond its existing footprint.

Heineken Silver is positioned as a premium mild lager beer offering within United Breweries' portfolio. The product caters exclusively to the domestic market, targeting consumers seeking international-style lager options.

Product details and strategy

Heineken Silver is brewed using only three natural ingredients: barley, hops, and water, alongside Heineken's signature A-Yeast and a distinctive horizontal brewing process. This unique method contributes to a smooth, crisp, and subtle taste profile.

Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer at United Breweries Ltd, stated that the positive response to Heineken Silver highlights growing consumer appetite for differentiated premium beer offerings. The company remains focused on strengthening its premium portfolio and making the brand available to more consumers across key markets.

United Breweries continues to build on its strength through a robust pan-India manufacturing and distribution network comprising 35 breweries. The expansion supports the company's innovation-led growth and continued focus on premiumization.