USBN launches spring water extension to Kingfisher lager

USBN, the UK distributor of Kingfisher Premium Indian Lager, is launching a Kingfisher-branded mineral water for curry-lovers in restaurants.

Kingfisher Natural Spring Water is targeted at customers visiting Indian restaurants and will be available in 750ml and 330ml glass bottles. The water is drawn from natural springs in the Cambrian Mountains in Wales.

Orders are being taken from the estimated 8,000 Indian restaurants in the UK. Kingfisher is brewed in Britain under licence from United Breweries in India and sold by USBN.

USBN marketing director Brian Dozey says that the mineral water is “a natural brand extension.” He adds that there are no plans to introduce Kingfisher Natural Spring Water to the off-trade sector, but the company will be monitoring sales closely and confirms that there will be some marketing activity to support the launch.

The company will also be launching branded water in Chinese restaurants. It holds the licence for the Chinese lager brand Sun Lik.

USBN recently appointed J Walter Thompson to handle the &£1m UK advertising account for Kingfisher Premium Indian Lager. The agency handles the brand in India.

The lager was introduced to the UK in 1982. Its rival, Cobra Beer, is expected to appoint an advertising agency shortly.