Vineet Sharma, Vice President – Marketing & Trade Marketing, AB InBev India
AB InBev India has launched Corona Cero in the country, targeting western and northern markets such as Delhi NCR, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Goa, as it seeks to scale up in India’s fast-growing non-alcoholic beer segment.
India’s non-alcoholic beer segment grew by nearly 25 per cent last year, with AB InBev India recording high double-digit growth. The introduction of Corona Cero is an opportunity to grow the segment at scale in India.
Zero Alcohol Bet
“Our non-alcoholic portfolio in India is relatively small compared to our core beer business, since we entered this category only 4-5 years ago. Corona Cero is an important bet globally and in India. It is a small category today, but one that we want to lead ahead of the curve. We will initially focus on modern trade and e-commerce channels for a wider reach across the country,” Vineet Sharma, Vice President – Marketing & Trade Marketing, AB InBev India.
Urban Demand Rising
AB InBev India launched Budweiser 0.0 first, followed by the green apple and peach variants. The brewer is targeting legal drinking-age consumers who want the same taste and brand experience of beer, but without alcohol, for its non-alcoholic portfolio.
“It is growing at a strong pace, particularly in urban centres, and seeing traction in smaller towns. We are also attracting consumers who may not traditionally drink beer, especially through flavoured variants. These products lower the taste barrier and allow consumers to participate in the social and brand experience associated with beer,” Sharma added.
Distribution Expansion Focus
The company’s 0.0 business is currently growing at triple-digit rates, albeit on a low base. It will take time before it becomes a meaningful share of its overall portfolio. AB InBev is currently focused on expanding distribution, increasing awareness, and building the category.
In India, the brewer ranks second overall and commands around 60 per cent market share in the premium segment, with Budweiser as its largest brand.
India Growth Engine
“India is one of our key global markets and our fourth-largest market globally. Our growth in India is double-digit and higher than the overall industry, led primarily by Budweiser, Corona, and Hoegaarden,” Sharma shared.
He said last year was volatile for the Indian beer industry, with unseasonal weather dampening demand in a category highly dependent on the climate. A shortage of aluminium cans — amid a shift from glass to cans and limited supplier capacity — further disrupted supplies across beer, energy drinks, and soft drinks.
Higher taxes in several southern states and pending dues in markets such as Telangana also weighed on the sector.
Overall, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are its key priority markets, with Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh offering further headroom through distribution expansion.
“Last year was a temporary dampener in an otherwise strong growth story. In 2026, we are bullish. January was strong for us, with February also shaping up well, and early indicators suggest that the summer season will be favourable. Supply chain constraints have also eased, which should further support growth across the category. India is a bright spot for the entire global beer industry. While sentiment in several global markets is soft, India remains a high-growth market,” he said.
Published on February 26, 2026