Affordability Key to Category Growth
The affordability of beer plays a crucial role in driving the growth of the category, stated Vivek Gupta, Managing Director and CEO of United Breweries Ltd. Gupta emphasized United Breweries’ commitment to focusing on consumers to propel category expansion. Speaking to NDTV Profit, he expressed the company’s dedication to enhancing category growth.
Strong Q1 Performance
For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, United Breweries reported a 6% year-on-year increase in its standalone net profit, reaching Rs 183.7 crore from Rs 173.3 crore in the previous year. The company’s revenue also witnessed significant growth, climbing to Rs 2,862.4 crore from Rs 2,473 crore.
Market Share and Future Plans
Gupta acknowledged United Breweries’ success in boosting its market share by over 300 basis points. Despite facing challenges like adverse weather conditions, he expressed satisfaction with the quarter’s performance and the strategic planning executed for the summer season.
Impact of Maharashtra Excise Policy
Addressing concerns over the Maharashtra Excise Policy, which raised excise duty for all alcohol categories except beer, Gupta confirmed that the first-quarter results remained unaffected. He highlighted the contrasting scenarios in different states, with some experiencing struggles due to increased excise duties while others continue to perform well.
