The company is also considering the option of setting up of breweries through greenfield projects, said Foster's India managing director Pradeep Gidwani at a press conference for the launch of Foster's beer in Pondicherry.Foster's India is a 74 per cent subsidiary of Foster's Brewing Group Ltd, Australia. The remaining 26 per cent stake is held by Chennai-based Kothari Group.

The company has a 2,00,000 hecto litre plant in Aurangabad. The refineries that the company is planning to acquire or set up is expected to have a similar capacity. In case the company opts for greenfield projects, the cost per brewery would be around Rs 60 crore. The company is in "no hurry" to go through with the acquisitions, Mr Gidwani added.

The southern states account for about 40 per cent of the beer consumption, whereas the west accounts for 35 per cent. The northern and eastern states account for 20 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. The per capita consumption of beer in India stands at about 0.5 litres per person per year, while Vietnam consumes eight litres and consumption in China is at 16 litres. This leaves a lot of room for growth but the taxes result in beer in India being about four times as costly as in China.

The company has launched its beer in Pondicherry and is targeting the other southern states. It has been available for some time in Maharashra, Goa, Daman and Diu.

The company's marketing initiatives have been very successful, said officials.