Carlsberg to invest US$140.9M in food processing, brewing expansion across India 

INDIA – Carlsberg India, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Carlsberg Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) to invest Rs 1,250 crore (US$140.9M) in India’s food processing sector.  

The brewer said the investments will enhance its brewing and packaging footprint while creating large-scale employment opportunities. 

The plan includes Rs 500 crore (US$56.4M) for a new greenfield facility in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, Rs 400 crore (US$45.1M) for brownfield expansion in Hoogly, West Bengal, and Rs 350 crore (US$39.5M) for brownfield expansion in Mysuru, Karnataka.  

Together, these projects are expected to significantly boost Carlsberg India’s operational capacity, benefit its supplier network, and stimulate ancillary industries such as malt production, glass, cans, cardboard, and logistics. 

Over the next three years, Carlsberg India anticipates incremental procurement of nearly Rs 600 crore (US$67.7M) in raw and packaging materials. This is expected to directly benefit local industries and service providers while creating additional economic opportunities across its value chain. 

“India is a priority growth market for Carlsberg Group. Our investments underline our long-term commitment to India’s future,” said Nilesh Patel, Managing Director of Carlsberg India. “These projects will expand our operational capacity, create meaningful employment, and generate excise revenues for the states.” 

The company also said it is embedding sustainability at the core of these projects, with a focus on renewable energy, water efficiency, and sustainable packaging solutions. These initiatives align with India’s climate and development goals and the Carlsberg Group’s global sustainability program, Together Towards ZERO and Beyond. 

Earlier this month, Carlsberg was reported to be exploring an initial public offering (IPO) of its Indian operations following record-breaking revenue in FY24.  

The brewer has begun early discussions with investment banks, including Citi, BofA Securities, Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan, and Morgan Stanley, though no decision has been made on the size or valuation of a potential listing. 

Carlsberg India reported revenue of over Rs 8,000 crore (US$901.9M) and a 60% jump in profit to Rs 323 crore (US$36.4M) in FY24, its highest-ever performance in the country.  

The brewer’s portfolio includes flagship brands such as Carlsberg Green, Carlsberg Elephant, Tuborg Green, Tuborg Strong, and Tuborg Classic. 

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