DB Breweries will welcome Kingfisher Beer to its New Zealand portfolio from February next year. DB will distribute Kingfisher to both New Zealand and Australia. The acquisition will add to DB’s existing range of beers, which already includes premium international brands such as Heineken and Tiger.
Peter Simons, DB’s managing director, said that the company has proven experience building market-leading brands. “Kingfisher will be an exciting addition to our product offering and I know we’ve been chosen to distribute the product because of DB’s ability to drive growth in the premium beer category.
“Our expert marketers are looking forward to getting stuck into the brand and working with our high performing sales and brewing teams to take Kingfisher in New Zealand to the next level.
“United Breweries were impressed by DB’s footprint in New Zealand, and know that brewing, marketing and selling high-quality premium beer to Kiwi adults is in our DNA. We are excited to be taking on the brand and are preparing to lift its profile as part of our wider portfolio.”
Kingfisher is owned by United Breweries, an Indian conglomerate based in Bangalore. Heineken, DB’s parent company, has a minority interest in United. Kingfisher beer was launched in 1978 and is the prevalent beer of choice in India. It is available in 52 countries.
