B9 Beverages, the parent company of craft beer brand Bira 91, is looking to sell assets to clear outstanding employee salary dues amid financial challenges. Founder Ankur Jain is seeking to raise immediate cash to stabilize operations and address urgent financial obligations.
B9 Beverages plans asset sales to clear Bira 91 employees’ salary dues and raise immediate funds amidst financial challenges in India’s craft beer market.
Mumbai, November 7, 2025 – B9 Beverages, the company behind popular Indian craft beer brand Bira 91, is reportedly exploring asset sales as part of efforts to clear outstanding employee salary dues and raise immediate cash to address pressing financial challenges. The move underscores the difficulties the company has faced in recent months amid a complex market environment and operational headwinds.
Founded in 2015 by Ankur Jain, Bira 91 quickly grew to become a prominent name in India’s craft beer segment, gaining considerable market share and consumer loyalty. However, recent reports indicate that the company has struggled with cash flow constraints, leading to delays in salary payments for employees, which has raised concerns within the industry and among consumers.
In a statement, Ankur Jain confirmed that B9 Beverages is actively looking to monetize some of its assets to generate the liquidity necessary to meet immediate financial obligations, including settling pending employee salaries. “Our priority is to ensure that our employees are compensated fairly and on time. We are taking concrete steps to raise funds quickly through asset sales, which will help stabilize the company’s financial position,” Jain said.
Financial experts note that asset sales can be a strategic move for companies facing short-term cash flow problems, allowing them to unlock value from non-core or underutilized resources. However, such steps also indicate the severity of liquidity challenges that may impact ongoing operations and growth plans.
The Indian craft beer market has witnessed rapid expansion over the last decade, attracting investments and new entrants. Nevertheless, the sector remains highly competitive with margin pressures due to rising raw material costs and regulatory complexities. Bira 91’s situation reflects some of these broader industry challenges.
Employees affected by delayed salaries have reportedly expressed concern but remain hopeful that the company’s recent steps will lead to resolution. Industry analysts suggest that successful asset sales could provide B9 Beverages with the necessary funds to maintain production and distribution activities, ensuring business continuity.
Bira 91’s distributors and retailers are closely watching the developments, as any financial instability could disrupt supply chains and availability in key markets. The company has assured stakeholders of its commitment to overcoming the current challenges and continuing to build on its brand legacy.
In conclusion, B9 Beverages’ decision to sell assets aims to alleviate immediate financial pressures by clearing overdue employee salaries and injecting cash into operations. As the company navigates this phase, the outcomes of these efforts will be critical in determining its future trajectory within India’s competitive craft beer landscape.
