British brewer Lion re-enters India after 60 years with Delhi premium-beer launch

Lion Brewery Co has launched Island Lager and Pale Ale in Delhi via exclusive importer Copperdrop Spirits, with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh next in its India expansion plan.

— Source publishedSun, 2 Aug, 2026, 20:52 IST·First seen Sun, 2 Aug, 2026, 20:58 IST·Source Mint · Companies

What happened

British brewer Lion Brewery Co has re-entered India after over six decades, launching Island Lager and Pale Ale in Delhi through exclusive importer Copperdrop

Key facts

  • More than 60 years absent from India
  • Founded in 1836
  • Restored in 2018
  • Premium beer segment growth: over 40% annually
  • 330 ml bottle format
  • India beer market: approximately USD 4.5 billion in 2023
  • Overall beer-market CAGR: 8-10% through 2028
  • Premium segment growth: approximately 42-45%

Why this matters

Lion’s exclusive importer partnership with Copperdrop highlights the strategic value of local distribution alliances for international beverage brands seeking scalable entry into India’s fragmented alcohol market.

Also reported by