Japan’s Kirin Holdings has announced its intention to invest a further $70 million into India’s craft brewer Bira 91.

The brewing giant invested $30 million for a 10% stake in the Indian brewer’s parent company B9 Beverages in 2021. It has not revealed how large it’s stake would be following the latest investment announcement.

It is believed the funds will be used to expand existing facilities and build new breweries in India.

Kirin has been actively investing in overseas breweries and brewing groups while it’s domestic market continues to decline. Large purchases over the past couple of years include New Belgium Brewing and Bell’s Brewery in the US as well as Australia’s Fermentum Group.

The Japanese brewery has not been so successful in the UK, however, where they recently sold off their UK craft beer division.

B9, founded in 2015 by Indian businessman Ankur Jain, has five breweries across India and sells its flagship premium brew Bira 91 in 18 countries.

India’s growing economy and population growth is driving an expansion of the nation’s beer market with brands such as Bira 91 popular with younger drinkers.

According to Euromonitor International Indian beer production reached 2.17 million kiloliters in 2021, up 24% from the year before. Over the next 5 years it is expected to expand by a further 40% to reach 3.02 million kilolitres.