New Delhi, May 2026: Lion Brewery Co, a London and Singapore-based brewery founded in 1836, has announced its official return to the Indian market after more than six decades, beginning with a launch in the Delhi region in July 2026. The brewery will debut with its signature Island Lager and Pale Ale in bottled 330ml format, positioned within India’s fast-growing premium beer segment, in partnership with Copperdrop Spirits as exclusive importer and distributor.
The return carries historical significance that goes beyond commercial expansion. Lion Brewery Co was among the early producers and exporters of India Pale Ale — the style of beer originally developed in Britain specifically for export to India during the colonial era. IPA, as it came to be known globally, owes its hop-forward, higher-alcohol character to the need for beer to survive the long sea voyage from Britain to India without spoiling. Lion Brewery Co shipping its ales to India in the 1800s was part of that original trade, making this relaunch a genuine homecoming of sorts for the brand.
Will Julius, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Lion Brewery Co, said: “India is not just a new market for us — it’s part of Lion Brewery Co’s story. To bring Lion back after more than half a century, and to do so at a time when the premium beer segment is growing so rapidly in India, is incredibly exciting.”
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The India entry is being supported by Copperdrop Spirits, promoted by the founder of Bad Monkey Beer, a premium fast-growing beer brand in India. Copperdrop brings established relationships across on-trade and off-trade channels and experience in positioning premium international beverage brands in the Indian market.
Rohan Ratan Khare of Copperdrop Spirits said: “We see strong potential for premium international craft brands in India. Lion Brewery Co combines heritage, authenticity, and quality — all of which resonate strongly with today’s Indian consumer.”
Brand development strategy and market positioning for Lion Brewery Co’s India chapter is being shaped by Bev Connect, a brand consultancy founded by Madhavi Mohindra, working closely with both Lion Brewery Co and Copperdrop Spirits on market execution.
The timing of the entry is deliberate. India’s beer market reached approximately USD 4.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8-10 per cent through 2028, with the premium and super-premium segment growing faster than the overall market. Rising disposable incomes, urbanisation and changing consumer preferences — particularly among younger urban drinkers — are driving a steady shift away from mainstream lager towards premium, international and craft beer options. Delhi, as one of India’s largest and most developed premium beer markets, serves as the natural starting point for Lion Brewery Co’s national rollout, with further expansion into additional cities planned following the initial launch.
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