14th Sep 2006 14:00
SABMiller PLC14 September 2006 Ref 41/2006 SABMILLER INTRODUCES PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO TO COLOMBIA London and Johannesburg, 14 September 2006. SABMiller plc, one of the world'sleading brewers, announces the introduction of its premium Peroni Nastro Azzurrobrand into South America for the first time. The brand will be launched inColombia becoming the company's first foreign imported beer into the region. Peroni Nastro Azzurro will initially be made available in high-end on-tradepremises in Bogota and Medellin, with seasonal availability in Cartagena. Thelaunch will be supported by an integrated marketing campaign including above andbelow the line activity embodying Peroni Nastro Azzurro's unique Italian style. This introduction continues SABMiller's global expansion of Peroni NastroAzzurro and will mean the brand is now represented in appropriate outlets in allSABMiller regional markets. It also highlights the move by Bavaria, a subsidiaryof SABMiller plc, to develop the premium segment of the beer market in Colombiaalongside existing local brand Club Colombia - driving not only growth in mix,but volume growth in the key value end of the beer category. Buoyant trading conditions were experienced across the region during the pastquarter with sales increasing 7.5% against the comparable period last year. Thisgrowth was underpinned by improving economic conditions, increased brand andtrade investments as well as launches of packaging innovations. Karl Lippert, president of Bavaria, commented: "The introduction of PeroniNastro Azzurro to Colombia not only bolsters our presence in the premium segmentalong with Club Colombia, but aims to develop the category itself in thecountry. The growing sophistication of our consumers, and our research, point tostrong interest in a stylish Italian brand, like Peroni. This launch is animportant step for us as we develop our portfolio of brands to satisfy the needsof all Colombian beer consumers." SABMiller International Brand Director for Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Chris Taylor,said: "Peroni Nastro Azzurro is now in five continents around the world withhigh consumer awareness, growing demand and strong performances in all of itsmarkets. It's a simple concept - Italian style in a bottle - and one which wefirmly believe will make Peroni Nastro Azzurro into the premier choice forconsumers around the world." Peroni Nastro Azzurro is part of SABMiller's global premium brand portfoliowhich also includes Pilsner Urquell and Miller Genuine Draft. Brewed in Italyfor over forty years, Peroni Nastro Azzurro will be imported to Colombia fromSABMiller's brewery in Bari, in southern Italy. Ends Notes to editors: SABMillerSABMiller plc is one of the world's largest brewers with brewing interests ordistribution agreements in over 60 countries across five continents. The group'sbrands include premium international beers such as Miller Genuine Draft, PeroniNastro Azzurro and Pilsner Urquell, as well as an exceptional range of marketleading local brands. Outside the USA, SABMiller plc is also one of the largestbottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world.In the year ended 31 March 2006, the group reported US$15,307 million inrevenues and profit before tax of US$2,453 million. SABMiller plc is listed onthe London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Peroni Nastro Azzurrowww.peroniitaly.com • Peroni Nastro Azzurro is the leading premium Italian beer worldwide. • Birra Peroni first started brewing in 1846, and Nastro Azzurro was first created in the early 60's in Italy. • Peroni Nastro Azzurro with sleek new retro design was launched around the world in early 2005. • Peroni Nastro Azzurro is available as a bottled beer (33cl & 66cl) and draught in certain markets. • Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a well-balanced (low residual sugar content), clear pale lager made by brewing the finest spring-planted barley combined with malts and hops to create the highest standard of premium beer. This announcement is available on the company website: www.sabmiller.com Enquiries:----------------- --------------------- -------------------- SABMiller plc Tel: +44 20 7659 0100 Sue Clark Director of Corporate Affairs Tel: +44 20 7659 0184 Gary Leibowitz Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: +44 20 7659 0174 James Crampton Media Relations Manager Tel: +44 7795 208158 Maria Clara Gracia Director of Media Relations and Tel: +57-1-638 9290Buitrago Corporate Identity - Bavaria S.A. - Bogota Sarah Waldock Peroni Nastro Azzurro International Tel: +44 7738 468478 Press Office This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or issue or thesolicitation of an offer to buy or acquire securities of SABMiller plc (the"Company") or any of its affiliates in any jurisdiction or an inducement toenter into investment activity. This document includes "forward-looking statements". These statements maycontain the words "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "expect" andwords of similar meaning. All statements other than statements of historicalfacts included in this announcement, including, without limitation, thoseregarding the Company's financial position, business strategy, plans andobjectives of management for future operations (including development plans andobjectives relating to the Company's products and services) are forward-lookingstatements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results,performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different fromfuture results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by suchforward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based onnumerous assumptions regarding the Company's present and future businessstrategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future.These forward-looking statements speak only as at the date of this announcement.The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate anyupdates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in thisannouncement to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regardthereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any suchstatement is based. Any information contained in this announcement on the price at which theCompany's securities have been bought or sold in the past, or on the yield onsuch securities, should not be relied upon as a guide to future performance. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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