How to Set Up Brewery Business in India

India’s brewing industry has been experiencing steady growth, driven by a rising demand to produce (craft) beer and an increasing number of beer enthusiasts. Setting up a brewery plant in India can be a lucrative venture, but it requires meticulous planning, substantial investment, and compliance with various legal requirements. 

This guide will walk you through the essential steps, licenses needed, and the prerequisites for establishing a successful brewery in India.

The Indian beer market, which was once dominated by mass-produced lagers, is now witnessing a surge in demand for craft beers that offer unique flavors and brewing styles.

Beer consumption in India is expected to reach 708,000 by 2026. The market is growing steadily, driven by a rising preference for unique, artisanal beer flavors and an expanding urban population eager for premium beverage experiences. Craft beer is no longer a niche product; it is gaining widespread popularity, especially in urban centers and tourist hotspots.

The microbrewery industry with its dynamic nature has always been a thriving ground for hospitality development in India.The expansion in brewery plant in the hospitality industry reflects several significant trends and consumer inclination. 

With consumers increasingly seeking out distinctive, flavorful brews crafted by smaller, independent breweries, hospitality businesses such as restaurants and hotels are recognizing the opportunity to meet this demand by incorporating brewery plants into their establishments. 

This shift to on-site brewing fits in with the growing idea of “experiential dining and drinking,” where customers are looking for experiences that will stick in their memory in addition to satisfying their hunger. These establishments improve the whole eating or hospitality experience by letting visitors observe the brewing process up close, interact with brewers, and even take part in tastings or workshops.

License for Opening a Microbrewery in India

Most of the Indians prefer hard liquor over consuming beer. However, nothing overcome the freshly ‘crafted’ beer served at microbreweries.Unfortunately, the culture of microbreweries is not much common in India due to the stringent state liquor regulations, licensing issue, restriction of fund and also lack of skilled labours in the breweries.

One of the most crucial aspects is getting the license for the microbrewery. 

Alcohol in India is the state subject. It means, the state government makes their own rules and regulations. Getting the license can be a tedious process as the process differs from state to state.

Thinking about starting your own microbrewery? Before you dive in, there are some important things to think about. 

Let’s break it down: we’ll talk about the pre-requestie, and what you need to do to get the right license.

• Research on the market size
• Analyze the popular beer in that particular market
• Analyze the price range
• Thorough research on trade practices, distributive techniques, restrictions, regulatory requirements, product approvals, etc..
• Ideal location
• Detailed business plan
• Identification of competitors
• Mashing kettles and turns
• Lauter turns and fermenters
• Refrigeration machine
• Electric cabinets with all controls
• Beer filters
• Physical heat exchangers
• Boilers
• Serving system
• Distribution tanks
• PLC touch-type process controller

Documents required for micro-brewery license

• Ensure access to a commercial electric line.
• Establish connection to the commercial water line provided by the municipality or ensure efficient access to underground water.
• Verify land registration or obtain lease approval.
• Complete company registration and provide Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), or partnership deed if applicable.
• Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the inspection conducted by factories and boilers authority.
• Secure a waste disposal certificate from the pollution control board.
• Obtain quality certificates for fabricated equipment from accredited Quality Control (QC) labs.
• Ensure the quality control certificate for finished beer from government-approved QC labs through random inspections.
• Obtain water quality testing certificates from accredited quality control labs.

You may also require other documents to obtain brewery license like:

• Fill out the application form provided.
• Provide applicant details, including full name and address.
• Specify the planned investment.
• Describe the location in detail.
• Itemize the equipment needed.
• Present ownership details or provide copies of lease or rental agreements.
• Include a floor plan.
• Outline the production capacity.
• Submit a blueprint of the plant and premises.
• Get a certificate of clearance from the pollution control board.
• Furnish records or documents confirming the availability of resources like water and electricity.
• Obtain health and trade licenses.
• Obtain a fire safety license.
• Acquire an FSSAI license.

As the time is passing by people are acquiring more fondness towards the beer. Freshly made beer is evolving in it’s peak as nothing beats crafted beer. Few states in India are allowed for microbrewery. Hence, microbreweries are witnessing rapid growth in India. But setting up a microbrewery is an intensive work and there’s a long list of complicated requirements to fulfill before you can craft beer and sell it in your state. It might be harder, but PRODEB helps you to accomplish the licensing, product registration, management, and state filling needs.