Kingfisher Smooth flows into Karnataka’s strong beer market

MUMBAI: Strong beer is getting a softer edge. United Breweries Limited has rolled out Kingfisher Smooth in Karnataka, signalling a calculated push to widen Kingfisher’s footprint in India’s mainstream strong beer segment.

The launch targets one of the country’s largest and most influential beer markets. Karnataka, led by Bengaluru’s urban consumption and well-entrenched beer culture, offers the scale and visibility needed for a brand looking to grow beyond a single-state success. The move follows encouraging early consumer response to Kingfisher Smooth in Rajasthan.

Positioned for younger legal-age drinkers, Kingfisher Smooth is designed to bridge a familiar gap in the category: strength without the harshness. Brewed with imported hops and no added sugar, the beer aims to deliver a cleaner, smoother profile while retaining the punch expected by strong beer consumers.

United Breweries sees the variant as a strategic addition rather than a replacement. Kingfisher Strong continues as the flagship full-bodied offering, while Smooth expands choice within the brand’s core portfolio, reflecting changing consumer preferences and drinking occasions.

In Karnataka, Kingfisher Smooth will be available across leading retail outlets. Pricing has been set at Rs 100 for a 330 ml can, Rs 120 for a 330 ml bottle, Rs 155 for a 500 ml can, and Rs 200 for a 650 ml bottle.

With this rollout, UBL is betting that in a market long dominated by bold flavours, a smoother strong beer can still make enough noise to be noticed.