India: Red Rhino opens new commercial brewery in Karnataka

Red Rhino, a prominent player in India’s craft beer industry, has launched a new commercial brewery in Malur, located in Karnataka’s Kolar district, to expand its kegging operations. The move aims to enhance large-scale beer distribution and make its craft beer more accessible beyond its flagship locations, News on Projects reported on April 3.

The Malur facility will initially distribute Red Rhino’s popular craft beers, including its Signature Lager and Hefeweizen, along with a selection of new and seasonal offerings.

“Our new facility is built to set industry benchmarks,” said Ashwin Nawani, Head of Business Strategy at Red Rhino. “With a cutting-edge cold chain and logistics infrastructure, we ensure that every pint maintains its optimal temperature and quality from brewing to final delivery. This investment is all about precision, efficiency, and elevating the craft beer experience across Bangalore and beyond.”

Starting this April, Red Rhino’s beers will be available on tap at various high-profile venues in Bangalore. Currently operating in Bangalore and Hyderabad, the company has ambitious plans for nationwide expansion, aiming to introduce its craft beer portfolio to major urban centers across India.

Beyond brewing, the Malur facility is expected to create employment opportunities in brewing, logistics, and sales. By collaborating with local businesses and restaurants in Bangalore, Red Rhino seeks to cultivate a thriving craft beer ecosystem. The new facility features dedicated kegging lines, larger fermentation tanks, and automated quality control systems to ensure consistent quality.

“Our infrastructure rivals international brewing facilities,” said Master Brewer Dan Satterthwaite. “We’ve integrated advanced fermentation technologies with sophisticated logistics to ensure each batch preserves its unique flavor profile and exceptional quality throughout distribution.”

India’s craft beer industry has been experiencing rapid growth, with an annual increase of 22% since 2022. The premium craft beer segment is expanding at an even higher rate of 27% CAGR, highlighting evolving consumer preferences and a rising demand for sophisticated brewing techniques. Market projections suggest that the craft beer industry in India will continue its strong growth trajectory over the next eight years.

Central to Red Rhino’s expansion is BEVERA, its newly developed enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This advanced technology automates the entire brewing ecosystem, from order processing to final delivery, streamlining operations and ensuring precision across the supply chain.

The company emphasized that this investment in infrastructure and technology was designed to optimize distribution, significantly reducing the time between brewing and consumption, ultimately delivering a fresher craft beer experience to consumers.

03 April, 2025