Peroni, Grolsch, Miller and Pilsner Urquell join CUB

Following on from Lion’s release earlier today, Carlton United Brewers have come out with their own release about the new additions to their portfolio.  No surprises, and no notification of any product demises yet. We’ll keep you posted.

Media Release

Peroni,  Grolsch,  Miller and Pilsner Urquell to join Australia’s leading  international brand portfolio

Carlton United Brewers today announced that, with effect from  16 January 2012, SABMiller global brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Chill, Grolsch Premium Lager and Pilsner Urquell would join its market-leading portfolio of international beers.

Already growing in popularity with Australian consumers, Peroni Nastro Azzurro is an intensely crisp and refreshing lager, brewed with an unmistakable touch of Italian style since 1963.

“The increased offering in the rapidly growing premium beer segment will create new opportunities for customers,” said Ari Mervis, Chief Executive Foster’s  Group, “Beer drinkers will ultimately benefit from the increased distribution that CUB c an bring to these great brands.”

With the completion of the SABMiller-Foster’s Group transaction, SABMiller is to acquire the remaining 50% interest from CCA in  Pacific Beverages which will   bring all brands and operations under the CUB business from 16 January.

Following the SABMiller transaction, Anheuser Busch InBev, global owner  of Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe, has exercised its right to end its relationship with CUB for these brands.

(1) ACNielsen ScanTrack Liquor MAT to 30/10/2011

ENDS

Background

Coca Cola Amatil Limited (CCA) and SABMiller have cooperated in the Australian beer market through their 50/50 joint venture Pacific Beverages. Pacific Beverages operates only in Australia and New Zealand and manufactures and exclusively distributes Bluetongue beer and other brands owned by SABMiller, including Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Chill, Grolsch and Pilsner Urq uell.  CCA provides sales and distribution services to Pacific Beverages.

SABMiller has agreed to acquire CCA’s interest in Pacific Beverages after the completed acquisition of Foster’s on 16 December 2011. Integration of Pacific Beverages into Foster’s Group and CUB is expected to be completed by 16 January 2012.