Bira 91 Company Profile

Background

Company Overview

Bira 91 is an Indian craft beer brand established in 2015 by entrepreneur Ankur Jain under B9 Beverages Pvt. Ltd. The brand was created to offer a distinctive alternative to traditional beers in India, focusing on unique flavors and modern branding that resonated with urban millennials and Gen Z consumers. Bira 91 quickly gained popularity, becoming a significant player in India's burgeoning craft beer market.

Mission and Vision

Bira 91's mission is to revolutionize India's beer culture by introducing innovative and flavorful craft beers that appeal to a diverse consumer base. The brand envisions becoming a global ambassador of Indian craft beer, showcasing the country's brewing potential on the international stage.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on producing premium craft beers with unique taste profiles, utilizing high-quality ingredients and modern brewing techniques. Bira 91 emphasizes bold flavors, vibrant packaging, and a strong brand identity to differentiate itself in the competitive beer market.

Industry Significance

Bira 91 has played a pivotal role in popularizing craft beer in India, contributing to the growth of the craft beer segment and influencing consumer preferences towards premium and artisanal beverages. Its success has inspired other breweries to innovate and cater to the evolving tastes of Indian consumers.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Market Expansion: Increase market share in both domestic and international markets by expanding distribution networks and introducing new product variants.

• Brand Development: Strengthen brand recognition through innovative marketing strategies, collaborations, and sponsorships.

• Product Innovation: Continuously develop and introduce new beer variants to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Craft Beer Production: Specializing in the production of high-quality craft beers with unique flavors and styles.

• Branding and Marketing: Employing creative and contemporary branding techniques to appeal to younger demographics.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Brewing Technology: Utilizing advanced brewing equipment and techniques to ensure consistency and quality in beer production.

• Supply Chain Management: Implementing efficient logistics and distribution systems to maintain product availability across various markets.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Domestic Market: Urban centers across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

• International Markets: Countries with significant Indian diaspora and growing craft beer interest, such as the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Thailand.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

• Initial Funding: Raised $1.5 million from a group of friends to start B9 Beverages Pvt. Ltd.

• Series A Funding (January 2016): Secured $6 million from Sequoia Capital, marking Sequoia's first investment in the alcohol beverage segment.

• Series B Funding (2018): Raised $50 million from Sofina, a Belgian family-owned fund, and existing investors.

• Pre-Series C Funding (May 2019): Obtained $4.3 million from Sixth Sense Ventures.

• Debt Funding (2020): Raised $10 million to increase production capacity from 400,000 cases to 1.7 million cases.

• Investment from Kirin Holdings (January 2021): Received $30 million from Japan's Kirin Holdings.

• Investment from MUFG Bank (March 2023): Secured $10 million from MUFG Bank Ltd.

Total Funds Raised

Approximately $101.8 million across various funding rounds.

Notable Investors

• Sequoia Capital: Participated in Series A funding.

• Sofina: Belgian family-owned fund involved in Series B funding.

• Sixth Sense Ventures: Invested in Pre-Series C funding.

• Kirin Holdings: Japanese brewing company invested in January 2021.

• MUFG Bank Ltd.: Japanese financial institution invested in March 2023.

Utilization of Capital

• Production Expansion: Enhancing brewing capacity and establishing new breweries.

• Market Expansion: Increasing distribution networks domestically and internationally.

• Product Development: Investing in research and development for new beer variants.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Bira 91 White: A Belgian-style wheat beer with citrus and coriander notes, offering a refreshing taste.

• Bira 91 Blonde: An extra hoppy craft lager with a crisp and clean finish.

• Bira 91 Light: A low-calorie beer option with 90 calories per 330 ml bottle, catering to health-conscious consumers.

• Bira 91 Strong: A high-intensity wheat beer with a higher alcohol content of 7%, designed for those seeking a stronger brew.

• Bira 91 IPA: India's first IPA brewed and bottled locally, featuring a bold hop profile.

Stages of Development

All pipeline candidates are in the market, with ongoing efforts to expand their reach and improve formulations.

Target Conditions

Catering to diverse consumer preferences, including those seeking low-calorie options, stronger beers, and unique flavor profiles.

Anticipated Milestones

• Market Expansion: Increasing availability in new domestic and international markets.

• Product Innovation: Introducing seasonal and limited-edition variants to maintain consumer interest.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Brewing Techniques: Utilizing traditional and modern brewing methods to create unique beer styles.

• Quality Control: Implementing stringent quality checks to ensure consistency and high standards.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Flavor Profiling: Employing sensory analysis to develop and refine beer flavors.

• Fermentation Science: Optimizing fermentation processes for desired taste and clarity.

AI-Driven Capabilities

Currently, there is no publicly available information indicating the use of AI-driven capabilities in Bira 91's operations.

Leadership Team

Ankur Jain – Founder and CEO

Ankur Jain is the founder and CEO of B9 Beverages Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Bira 91. Ankur holds a degree in Computer Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. Before founding B9 Beverages, he worked with Motorola and later started a venture in Healthcare Revenue Management in New York, which was sold in 2007. He returned to India and launched Bira 91 in 2015.

Vikram Qanungo – Chief Financial Officer

Vikram Qanungo serves as the CFO of B9 Beverages. He has a background in finance and has been instrumental in managing the company's financial operations and strategic investments.

Leadership Changes

In October 2025, Bira 91 appointed Vikram Qanungo as the new CFO to strengthen operational efficiency and address financial challenges.

Market Insights and Competitor Profile

The Indian beer market is dominated by global giants such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Carlsberg, and Heineken. Bira 91 holds a market share of less than 5%, competing with these established players and emerging craft beer brands.

Competitor Analysis

• Simba: An Indian craft beer brand offering a range of beers with unique flavors, targeting the premium segment.

• White Owl: Known for its premium craft beers, White Owl focuses on quality ingredients and distinctive taste profiles.

• BeeYoung: A newer entrant in the craft beer market, BeeYoung emphasizes innovation and appealing to younger consumers.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• The Beer Café Acquisition (2022): Bira 91 acquired The Beer Café, a beverage chain operator, to expand its presence in the restaurant and pub segment.

• Investment from Kirin Holdings (2021): Japan's Kirin Holdings invested $30 million in Bira 91, acquiring a stake of under 10%, to tap into India's growing craft beer market.

• Investment from MUFG Bank (2023): MUFG Bank Ltd. invested $10 million in Bira 91 to support its growth and ESG initiatives.