Goa based LB Brewers Forays into Global Mkt; Enters Oman to Sell Craft Beer - "Maka Di"

L to R: Anita Saimon, Azura General Trading, the importer and distributor from Oman, Ishan Varshnei, Co-founder and CEO and his brother, Anish Varshnei, Co-founder and Chief Production Officer of LB Brewers and Maka Di visuals

LB Brewers manufactures craft beer at its brewery in Goa. It also makes non-alcoholic functional beverages such as premium iced-teas, kombucha and zero sugar seltzers.

"We are entering into global markets to sell our craft beer. We have appointed a distributor in Oman for marketing of our premium craft beer brand Maka Di," said Ishan Varshnei, Co-founder and CEO) of LB Brewers.

The demand for beer is huge in Oman, especially from NRI population, he said.

"We are targeting to sell 50,000 cases this financial year itself with an estimated revenue of Rs. 2 crore," Varshnei said.

After studying the consumption patterns and taste profiles of the Omani population, the company is launching two new specially curated craft beers for the Oman market.

"Being a bespoke and premium craft beer brand based out of India, we are extremely inquisitive and excited to see the response that we can generate from a regulated and controlled alcohol market such as Oman. Considering our popularity in the Indian marketplace, we are expecting a tremendous initial response from the large Indian population residing in Oman," Varshnei said.

"Beer is one of the most widely consumed alcoholic drinks right after whisky in Oman. With over six months of the year being summer, beer plays a vital role in terms of annual alcohol consumption," said Anita Saimon, Azura General Trading, the importer and distributor from Oman.

Oman is a regulated market and advertisements of alcohols are not permitted, she said.

"Despite the difficulties we face as distributors, we still manage to ensure that our consumers can get all information possible on every new brand that we launch into the market," said Anita.

LB Brewers plans to expand its overseas presence and is exploring to enter three more countries, including those in Gulf region.

In Indian market, LB Brewers is selling its both products craft beers and functional beverages across major cities. Recently, the company partnered with Haldirams to market its iced-teas 'Borecha Icey'.

LB Brewers is expecting tremendous response to its healthy drinks. The demand for healthy food & beverages has surged during the last two years because of multiple factors including the COVID pandemic.

During the last financial year, LB Brewers sold 25,000 cases of beer and 40,000 cases of 'Borecha' valuing at Rs. 3 Crores and Rs. 2 Crore respectively.

The company is targeting to increase its turnover to Rs. 20 crore in the 2022-23 financial year.

About LB Brewers

Goa-based Latambarcem Brewers, manufactures craft beer and functional beverages like iced tea, was formed in 2017 to bridge the gap in the Indian craft-beer market. Co-founded by Aditya Ishan Varshnei and Anish Varshnei, it has manufacturing facilities in Goa. The startup manufactures functional beverages, under the brand name Borecha, and a range of craft beers under the brand Maka Di. Its long-term goal is to manufacture and sell high-quality beer, at par with global standards. Latambarcem has a team of up to 50 full-time employees working across departments.