Home / Business and Economy / Bira 91 Faces Insolvency Threat Over Unpaid Glass Bottles
Bira 91 Faces Insolvency Threat Over Unpaid Glass Bottles
30 Aug
Summary
- HNGIL seeks Rs 11.77 crore for manufactured glass bottles not lifted by Bira 91.
- Bira 91's founder and family exited management after financial crisis settlement.
- Insolvency proceedings may begin if Bira 91 fails to pay within ten days.
Hindusthan National Glass and Industries Ltd (HNGIL), a container glass manufacturer, has initiated legal action against B9 Beverages Ltd, the producer of Bira 91 beer, by issuing a default notice. This action stems from an alleged unpaid debt of Rs 11.77 crore for over 51 lakh customized 650 ml glass bottles manufactured against purchase orders placed in June and September 2024. The stock remains at HNGIL's plants, custom-made for B9 Beverages and not marketable to others.
The demand includes Rs 7.03 crore for the manufactured goods, Rs 1.12 crore for storage charges, and accrued interest. This notice follows a May 6, 2026, legal notice that also went unaddressed regarding payment and stock lifting. Under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), B9 Beverages has ten days from the notice receipt to settle the claim or present a dispute. Failure to comply may lead HNGIL to file for Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
This development occurs shortly after Bira 91 Founder Ankur Jain and his family stepped down from all executive roles at B9 Beverages, following a settlement with lenders and investors. The brewer has reportedly been out of production since September 2025, carrying an estimated debt of around Rs 1,000 crore. A proposed recapitalization aims to clear liabilities, with potential acquisition interest from firms like Varun Beverages.
