March 21, 2023: AB InBev India today announced the expansion of its Water Security Program in the country that will enhance water conservation by up to 2X by 2025. This expansion is in line with the company’s commitment to promoting sustainable water management practices across its operations.
AB InBev India’s Water Security Program is currently being implemented across key water-stressed districts of Telangana, Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Karnataka. Built around three key pillars – water conservation, water quality, and water access, the program aims to reduce the company’s water footprint, improve water quality, and provide more equitable access to clean water to vulnerable communities.
In line with the company’s water conservation goals, AB InBev India has achieved a recharge capability of more than 15 million HL (12.5 million KL) in India and now aims to increase this by 2X by 2025. The water security program includes a range of initiatives including rainwater harvesting, waste-water treatment and recycling, groundwater recharge, and watershed management. AB InBev India also works closely with local farmers and communities to inculcate and encourage sustainable agri practices to minimize water usage, while at the same time also improving soil health.
Commenting on this occasion, Ashwin Kak, Head – of Procurement and Sustainability, India and Southeast Asia, AB InBev said, “Water is a critical resource for our business and for the communities where we operate as we continue to use water sustainably across our business operations. Our Water Security Program contributes to India’s national water security goals, demonstrating its leadership in promoting sustainable business practices. We remain committed to being a part of the solution to the growing water challenges across our communities and supply chain.”
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AB InBev’s renewed commitments to measurably improve water availability and quality by 2025 through the implementation of its Water Security Program will be enabled through convening stakeholders, identifying specific local water challenges, evaluating potential solutions, and then implementing agreed solutions with governance, financing mechanisms, communicating progress, and measuring impact.
The Water Security Program has reaped many benefits across its implementing states. With project interventions achieving a 100% target completion rate, as per a third-party assessment done by KPMG more than 60 percent of respondents have reported a post-intervention increase in the availability of water in their districts, while close to 70 percent of beneficiaries surveyed also highlighted an increase in water access for agri purposes along with a rise in the groundwater levels, based off observations on the depth of borewells in their districts.
In Aurangabad, Maharashtra; 57% of the respondents highlighted that the project activities improved their water security. It was noticed that due to the improved availability of water, both Rabi and Kharif crops could be grown. Additionally, a rise in food security was noticed by 63% of the beneficiaries and on average, there had been an increment of approximately INR 18,885 in the annual income of the farmers, post-implementation of the water security program.
Meanwhile, in Rajasthan and Telangana, an increase in area under cultivation due to a decrease in waterlogging of their fields was witnessed, further contributing to an improved agricultural yield and increased farmer incomes.
AB InBev India is a leading beer and beverage company with a leadership position in the premium and super premium beer category. It has a diverse portfolio of global beer brands, including Budweiser®, Budweiser Magnum®, Corona®, Hoegaarden®, Stella Artois®, Beck’s Ice®, Haywards5000® and KnockOut®, amongst others. Headquartered in Bengaluru, its national presence in the country is supported by multiple manufacturing units spread across states and a robust distribution network. AB InBev India has a range of no-alcohol beers like Budweiser 0.0®️, Hoegaarden 0.0®️, and Hoegaarden Rosée®️ and expanded Beyond Beer into new categories with non-alcoholic energy drink Budweiser Beats®️, Budweiser Magnum Double Barrel®️ whiskey and D’YAVOL vodka in partnership with SLAB ventures.
AB InBev India is part of Budweiser Brewing Company APAC (Bud APAC), listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code “1876”. Bud APAC is a subsidiary of AB InBev, which has over 600 years of brewing heritage and an extensive global presence spanning continents and generations. Geographically diversified with a balanced exposure to developed and developing markets, AB InBev leverages the collective strength of approximately 169,000 colleagues based in nearly 50 countries worldwide. We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and brewing the best beers using the finest ingredients. Explore more on – www.ab-inbev.com
