INDIA – The world’s largest brewer, AB InBev has partnered with Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), to open the first-of-its-kind brewpub with an on-site microbrewery, dubbed 7Rivers Brewpub, at Taj MG Road, Bengaluru in India.
IHCL is South Asia’s largest hospitality company that manages a portfolio of hotels, resorts, jungle safaris, palaces, spas and in-flight catering services.
The newly launched brewpub, which was in the making since the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year is the first of 15 locations to be launched across IHCL hotels over the next five years.
“In keeping with its moniker as the Pub Capital of India, IHCL is pleased to announce the opening of the first 7Rivers brewpub in Bengaluru with our partners AB InBev.”
Mr. Puneet Chhatwal – Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL
Spread across 2700 sq. ft. of indoor space, the 7Rivers Brewpub will offer beer inspired by the quintessential flavors of the region, as well as those made from the finest locally sourced ingredients and crafted by experienced international and Indian brewmasters.
The collaboration according to IHCL brings together its expertise in delivering innovative F&B concepts, its culinary prowess and exemplary service, coupled with AB InBev’s 600-year-old brewing heritage.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “In keeping with its moniker as the Pub Capital of India, IHCL is pleased to announce the opening of the first 7Rivers brewpub in Bengaluru with our partners AB InBev.
“From introducing global cuisines to the latest trend in bars, IHCL has led the way in pioneering F&B experiences for over a century. 7Rivers Brewpub at Taj MG Road is another such innovative offering, which we believe will add an interactive dynamic to the city’s vibrant social and entertainment culture.”
Designed by world-renowned designers, JOI Design from Hamburg, the brewpub blends the traditional charm of Irish taverns with modern 21st century designs.
Complemented by the best in music and entertainment, the brewpub features a curated menu brimming with a mix of inventive Indian cuisine and glocal fare, to perfectly pair with the unique flavours of the craft brews.
“We are thrilled to unveil our first 7Rivers microbrewery through our exclusive partnership with IHCL, in the beer capital of India. We are constantly exploring avenues to offer the best beer experience to delight our consumers, as we see a growing trend towards artisanal beers in the country.
“We look forward to working with the emerging craft beer community and are confident that our synergies in this category will shape the craft beer industry in India,” said Kartikeya Sharma, President – South Asia, AB InBev, said.
The brewpub will soon launch brewery tours for guests to experience first-hand the brewing process and all the craft that goes into making a superlative glass of beer.
According to reports by Economic Times, under this partnership, AB InBev will handle the backend, such as brewing and beer recipes, while Taj will run the outlets in a revenue-sharing model unlike IHCL’s other global tie-ups such as Starbucks and Tesco which are joint ventures to operate the stores.
The second outlet from this tie-up will open in Goa early next year, followed by Mumbai or Hyderabad three-four months later. The plan is to subsequently open in Delhi and one more in Bengaluru.
The two companies are expected to invest Rs 150 crore (US$20m) in the venture aiming for Rs 7-10 crore (US$950,000 – US$1.35m) in sales per outlet.