United Breweries introduces super-premium beer

United Breweries (UB) launched locally fermented and botted Heineken lager in Mumbai and Pune this month and will roll it out across 7-10 other markets by the year end. Heineken is being positioned as a super-premium international beer at a 30% premium over Kingfisher Ultra beer and competitor Carlsberg's eponymous beer. 

The product will carry a price tag of Rs 170 for a 650 ml bottle. UB has begun manufacturing of beer at its brewery in Taloja. UB also has access to Heineken's brand portfolio. 

The company’s net profit after tax for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 fell by 6.68% at Rs 71.04 crore as compared to Rs 76.13 crore for the corresponding quarter last year. Its total income rose 22.58% at Rs 962.74 crore for the quarter under review from Rs 785.39 crore for the same quarter last year.