Type Lager Country of origin India Alcohol by volume 4.8% | Manufacturer United Breweries Group Introduced 1978 | |
Variants Kingfisher Premium
Kingfisher Strong
Kingfisher Strong Fresh
Kingfisher Draught
Kingfisher Ultra
Kingfisher Blue
Kingfisher Red
Kingfisher Lager |
Kingfisher is an Indian beer brewed by United Breweries Group, Bangalore. The brand was launched in 1978. With a market share of over 36% in India, it is also available in 52 other countries. The Heineken Group holds 42.4% equity shares in United Breweries Ltd.
Kingfisher was ranked 74th among India's most trusted brands according to the Brand Trust Report 2012, a study conducted by Trust Research Advisory. In the Brand Trust Report 2013, Kingfisher was ranked 102nd among India's most trusted brands and subsequently, according to the Brand Trust Report 2014, Kingfisher was ranked 198th among India's most trusted brands.
During the years 2009 through 2015, United Spirits (USL) / Diageo exited all non-core investments in United Breweries and sold 850,000 INR shares to Heineken, which will now give it leverage to managing affairs of India's largest beer producer. USL sold 3.21% shares for Rs 872 crore in a block trade. The shares were sold at Rs 1,030 apiece, a slight premium to Tuesday's closing price of Rs 1,014.10. As of July 2015, Heineken's stake in United Breweries (UB) has increased from 39% to 42.1%. This deal will give Heineken an upper hand over Vijay Mallya in running the company.