Beer value chain contributes ₹43,000 crore to India’s economy through United Breweries ecosystem: Socio-Economic Impact Study
An independent socio-economic impact study has found that the United Breweries value chain, part of The HEINEKEN Company, contributes approximately ₹43,000 crore to India’s economy and supports around 295,000 jobs and livelihoods across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, retail, hospitality and tourism. Conducted by Steward Redqueen, the study quantifies the broader economic footprint of India’s largest beer company.
The findings highlight how beer’s economic footprint extends well beyond brewing, supporting farmers, manufacturers, transport providers, retailers, restaurants and local tourism business across India.
Beer’s economic contribution across India’s value chain
The study estimates that UBL’s operations and value chain contribute approximately ₹43,000 crore in value added to the Indian economy, reflecting the sector’s linkages across agriculture, logistics, packaging, retail and hospitality. This contribution is equivalent to nearly 0.1% of India’s GDP. The findings indicate additional economic activity is generated across the wider economy, reflecting the sector’s multiplier effect.
Supporting livelihoods at scale
A significant part of this contribution comes through employment. UBL’s value chain supports approximately 295,000 livelihoods across India, from barley farmers and brewery workers to logistics providers, retailers and hospitality staff. For every job directly supported by UBL, approximately 31 additional jobs and livelihoods are supported across the wider economy.
Strengthening local supply chains
Beer production in India is closely linked to domestic sourcing and local supply networks. UBL sources approximately 93% of its inputs locally, with annual spending of approximately ₹6,900 crore on Indian goods and services. This supports farmers, MSMEs, packaging manufacturers and regional supplier ecosystems, highlighting the beer sector’s contribution to local manufacturing, supply chain resilience and economic growth across India.
Contribution to public finances
The study found that UBL’s value chain supports approximately ₹30,600 crore in tax revenues, equivalent to around 1.3% of total state tax revenues. For every ₹100 spent on beer by consumers, approximately ₹63 flows to state governments, supporting public services and infrastructure across states.
Beer, tourism and hospitality: supporting local economies
Beyond brewing, the study highlights strong connections between beer, tourism and hospitality. Tourism-linked consumption contributes an estimated ₹2,240 crore in economic activity, supporting hotels, restaurants, retailers, and local businesses across key destinations. As domestic and international travel continues to grow, the beer category remains closely linked to visitor spending and broader economic activity across hospitality and tourism value chains.
Investing in communities
Alongside its economic contribution, UBL continues to invest in programmes focused on water stewardship, sustainable agriculture, community development and responsible consumption. These initiatives complement the company’s broader contribution to local economies and livelihoods across India.
As India’s economy continues to grow and consumer spending evolves, the study highlights how beer supports economic activity across sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to retail, hospitality and tourism.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Marisa Gerards, shared, “Dutch businesses such as HEINEKEN through United Breweries demonstrate how international investment, combined with strong local roots, can support jobs and strengthen domestic value chains. The findings of the Socio-Economic Impact Study highlight these meaningful contributions to Indian economic development. We firmly believe that responsible investment drives long-term growth and hence the India-Netherlands strategic partnership continues to build upon shared commitment of enhancing trade, investment, and innovation”.
Joanna Price, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, The HEINEKEN Company, said, “India is one of HEINEKEN’s most important growth markets globally, and this study highlights beer’s economic footprint far beyond the brewery gates. Every glass of beer supports a network of farmers, suppliers, retailers, hospitality businesses and local communities. It is a powerful reminder that a thriving beer industry helps create jobs, stimulate investment and contributes to broader economic growth.”
Vivek Gupta, MD & CEO, United Breweries Limited, shared, “Beer has long played an important social and economic role in India. Made from natural ingredients, it supports farmers and livelihoods across the country. This study validates the scale of that contribution, showing that UBL’s value chain contributes nearly ₹43,000 crore to India’s economy, equivalent to almost 0.1% of India’s GDP. As India builds towards becoming a $5 trillion economy and consumption continues to evolve, beer is well positioned to play an even larger role in growth and employment. As the maker of Kingfisher, we are committed to ensuring good times are enjoyed responsibly while contributing to India’s growth story.”
Dr. René Kim, Senior Partner, Steward Redqueen, added, “From grain to glass, UBL’s value chain reaches deep into the Indian economy. This study captures that full footprint. From breweries and suppliers to distributors, retailers, hospitality outlets and the many people whose livelihoods depend on them, in both formal and less formal parts of the economy. It shows how the beer sector supports incomes, strengthens local supply chains and contributes meaningfully to government revenues across India.”
The report was released at an event hosted at the residence of Ambassador Marisa Gerards of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, in the presence of senior stakeholders from industry and policy.
