homebusiness Newscompanies NewsAB InBev's India President envisions India as top market in the next two decades
AB InBev's India President envisions India as top market in the next two decades
AB InBev's Karthikeya Sharma anticipates a remarkable trajectory for Budweiser in India, foreseeing the country as a potential top market within the next two decades. Sharma's insights reveal a strategic optimism, emphasizing the brand's cultural integration and diversified portfolio with Corona and Hoegaarden.
AB InBev's India President Kartikeya Sharma sees a promising future for Budweiser in India, predicting that the nation could emerge as the top market within the next 20 years.
Sharma remarked, "I think today is a testament to us being in the top five, we are hungry for more, we do see India having the potential. I wouldn't want to get ahead of myself, but I do think before the end of this decade, we can see Budweiser being a far more significant brand in India, and by that very yardstick, taking India up the ranks. Who knows, in the next 20 years, the top country as well."
Highlighting the brand's integration into Indian culture, Sharma emphasized, “We have seen that happen with a few other multinational brands in India. But I think Budweiser has also weaved itself quite intrinsically into the local fabric of Indian culture. So we're excited.”
Sharma also discussed the diversified portfolio of brands around Budweiser, including Corona and Hoegaarden. “But equally, what we've been able to do is build a portfolio of brands around Budweiser.
So you think Corona, you think Hoegaarden, and I think these with their own unique propositions. Corona just being an absolute favorite for people, not just when you are at the beach, but also when you're thinking about disconnection.”
Regarding the surprising success of Hoegaarden, Sharma shared, “I think for us, the real surprise package has been Hoegaarden. And I know wheat beer, with the advent of brew pubs, and everything, was always going to be something of a slow burn.
But the excitement people have from the time we launched Hoegaarden flavors - Hoegaarden Rosée, and Hoegaarden Nectarine, I think instills in us a lot of confidence that we have got this beautiful trio of brands – Budweiser, Corona, and Hoegaarden – that can really shape the next 10 years for us.”
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