United Breweries, Soufflet Malt to set up 1.1 lakh tonne malthouse in Rajasthan; aim to create 400 jobs

United Breweries Limited has announced a partnership with global malt producer Soufflet Malt to build a new malt manufacturing facility in South Rajasthan, aiming to generate 400 job opportunities and train about 50,000 farmers.

In a press release filed with the exchanges on Friday, February 20, Soufflet Malt said the companies will set up a "state-of-the-art malthouse" with an initial production capacity of 1,10,000 tonnes per year. The first phase of the facility is expected to be commissioned in early 2028, with plans to double capacity in a second phase.

The facility will supply high-quality malt for United Breweries’ portfolio, including brands such as Kingfisher and Heineken, strengthening backward integration and securing long-term raw material supply.

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According to the companies, the project is expected to create around 400 direct and indirect jobs, along with 700 additional roles across the supply chain. The investment also includes plans to source up to 2,50,000 tonnes of barley annually, engaging more than 50,000 farmers, and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem in Rajasthan.

As part of sustainability and automation initiatives, Soufflet Malt said that the malthouse will incorporate zero liquid discharge systems, advanced water management processes and digital grain-handling systems.

Vivek Gupta, MD & CEO of United Breweries Limited, said, "Our partnership with Soufflet Malt is strategic and future focused, strengthening our backward integration, securing a consistent supply of highquality malt and preparing us for the next phase of category growth"

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Soufflet Malt CEO Jorge Solis said the investment aligns with the company’s MALTiply 2030 strategy to expand its global capabilities with local production.

Soufflet Malt already operates a malt house in Alwar, Rajasthan, with an annual capacity of 18,000 tonnes and has been working with Indian barley growers since 2014.

United Breweries, part of the HEINEKEN Company, is India’s largest beer manufacturer and markets brands across premium, strong and non-alcoholic categories.

Shares of the company were trading 0.53% up at ₹1,616.20 as of 11.25 am. The stock has gained 11.11% in the past month, while it has lost 20.31% in the past one year.