United Breweries Limited (UBL), part of HEINEKEN, has announced a strategic partnership with Soufflet Malt to construct a state-of-the-art malthouse in South Rajasthan, India. The initial phase, expected by early 2028, will yield 110,000 tonnes per year of high-quality malt. This move supports UBL’s backward integration, strengthens the regional brewing ecosystem, and commits to sustainable sourcing and local economic growth.
Strategic Partnership to Enhance Brewing Ecosystem
United Breweries Limited (UBL), India’s largest beer manufacturer and part of the HEINEKEN Company, announced on February 20, 2026, a significant collaboration with Soufflet Malt, the world’s leading maltster. The partnership focuses on establishing a new, state-of-the-art malthouse in South Rajasthan, India.
This initiative directly supports UBL’s commitment to the long-term growth of the beer category in India by strengthening backward integration, securing a consistent supply of high-quality malt for iconic brands like Kingfisher and Heineken®, and preparing for the next phase of category expansion.
Capacity and Timeline Details
The initial phase of the new facility is slated for commissioning in the beginning of 2028. This phase will have an operational malt production capacity of 110,000 tonnes per year, with future plans to double capacity during the project’s second phase.
Soufflet Malt’s CEO, Jorge Solis, confirmed this project aligns with their MALTiply 2030 strategy of leveraging global capabilities locally. UBL’s MD & CEO, Vivek Gupta, highlighted the partnership as strategic and future-focused.
Commitment to Sustainability and Local Economy
The new malthouse is being designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating zero liquid discharge systems and advanced water management for decarbonization.
This investment is projected to generate substantial local benefits:
- Creation of 400 direct and indirect jobs.
- Support for 700 positions across the supply chain.
- Empowerment and training for 50,000+ Indian farmers.
- A sourcing plan targeting up to 250,000 tonnes of barley annually, providing stable income and market access to growers in Rajasthan.
This facility is expected to position Rajasthan as an important brewing hub, fostering agricultural support, local economic development, and employment opportunities.
Existing Indian Operations
Soufflet Malt already has established roots in India, operating an existing malt house in Alwar, Rajasthan, with an 18,000-tonne capacity since 2014, working closely with local growers.
Source: BSE
