A `balanced beer' has hit the market this month. Launched by Som Distilleries and Breweries Ltd, Hunter Extra Strong and Legend Premium Beer will be available in 500 ml cans. It is being positioned as a `balanced beer' as the company claims it bears the distinct taste of lager, but gives the satisfaction of a strong beer.On the occasion of the launch, J K Arora, chairman and managing director, said: ``The introduction of Hunter and Legend Beer in cans is in keeping with Som Distilleries' pursuit of matching international products and packaging standards.'' The company has already introduced the product in small bottles.
Hunter Extra Strong Beer is priced at approximately Rs 50-55 and Legend Premium Beer at Rs 45-50-both in 500 ml cans. They will be available across the country this month, except in the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The company has imported a canning machine from the UK with a capacity of 20,000 cans per hour for 500 ml cans. This machine has the unique capability of switching from canning to bottling, Arora said. The company is expanding its capacity from 192,000 hectalitres (hl) per annum to 250,000 hl by the end of this year.
The company, which is part of the Som Group of Companies, has a trade turnover of approximately Rs 300 crore and is one of the largest exporters of beer to the US, the UK, the Netherlands and the Gulf countries.
Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.