Brewing Sector Embraces Tech-Led Transformation- Paves the Way for India’s Beer Economy 2.0
Bengaluru, July 20, 2025 — With India’s beer market brewing strong and evolving rapidly, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted the Brewery Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru, drawing a diverse mix of brewers, investors, machinery specialists, and policymakers to explore next-gen growth opportunities in one of India’s fastest-growing beverage sectors. Held at High Brew Brewery, the conclave brought together over 150 delegates including top brewery owners, international brewers, excise officials, sustainability experts, and AI solution providers. As India’s beer market races toward a valuation of ₹456 billion with a projected CAGR of 8.5%, this exclusive event offers a timely platform for dialogue, innovation, and policy alignment.
AI and Sustainability Take Center Stage
A major theme of the conclave was ICC’s push to introduce AI as a catalyst for sustainable brewing. From AI-driven fermentation control and predictive maintenance to water efficiency monitoring and carbon usage tracking, speakers emphasized how technology can reduce costs, enhance quality, and support environmental goals. “AI is now as important as yeast in the brewing process. It empowers brewers to be sustainable, scalable, and smart,” said Mr. Aadithya
Shivkumar Eashwaran, ICC Committee Chairman – Brewery & Distillery and Head Brewer at PRODEB Brewery Technology. Mr. Sushilkumar Eashwaran, Chairman – ICC Sustainability Committee, added, “Green brewing must move from optional to operational. ICC is committed to helping the industry adopt AI-led solutions that are good for business and the planet.”
Bengaluru: The Perfect Brew
With nearly 45–50% of India’s beer consumption coming from South India and Bengaluru standing tall as the country’s craft beer capital, the city offered the ideal setting. From its dynamic pub culture to its liberal excise policy, Bengaluru has become a beacon for innovation in brewing.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Mr. Shivkumar Eashwaran, Chairman – ICC and Canadian Crystalline Water India Ltd., said,“India’s young demographic and evolving taste for craft beers create an exciting climate for brewers, innovators, and investors. This conclave is about unlocking that in a responsible, future-ready way.”
Key Themes and Sessions
- Setting up micro and nano breweries: licensing, scale, and feasibility
- Cross-state excise compliance: challenges and reforms
- Advanced brewing machinery and AI-based quality control
- Market trends: premiumisation, consumer evolution, and exports
- The circular economy: energy and water sustainability in brewing
The conclave also featured a B2B Trade Desk, matchmaking brewers with machinery suppliers, malt producers, and tech enablers. A guided brewery tour and beer tasting at High Brew Brewery gave attendees a live look into India’s emerging craft beer excellence.
The Road Ahead
To build on the outcomes of the conclave, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) announced the launch of a Green Brewery Certification Program in collaboration with its Sustainability Committee, aimed at encouraging breweries to adopt measurable ESG benchmarks related to water usage, waste management, and emissions.
ICC will also roll out a National Microbrewery Exchange Program to facilitate knowledge and talent exchange between emerging and established brewers across Indian states and global hubs.
In addition, ICC will collaborate with technology partners to develop an AI-enabled, open-access compliance platform to help microbreweries simplify and streamline adherence to complex state-wise excise norms.“Beer is not just a drink—it’s an economy, a culture, and a collaboration,” said Mr. Sushilkumar Eashwaran, capturing the spirit of the conclave.
