22nd Nov 2012 07:00
SABMiller bucks a declining UK beer market
SABMiller announces that its UK subsidiary, Miller Brands UK, has delivered another strong period of lager volume growth during its first half year ending 30 September 2012. Against the backdrop of a declining UK beer market (total beer volumes fell by 4.6% to the end of September1) Miller Brands UK grew domestic volumes by 5% in the half with the performance being led by strong sales of Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
Total Peroni volumes in the UK grew by mid single digits and the brand had a particularly strong half in the on-premise draught channel where volumes increased at more than double that rate. The business also more than doubled volumes of Kozel, which is a 4% ABV Czech pilsner launched in the UK in 2010 and is available exclusively on draught in this country.
A further indication of Miller Brands' commitment to supporting the British pub industry is evidenced by the strong results of Pilsner Urquell draught, which has delivered double digit growth versus the previous year following extensive investment in on-trade promotions over the period.
Miller Brands Managing Director, Gary Haigh, says:
"Our growth in the on-premise draught channel, led by Peroni, is particularly pleasing and represents a bright spot in an otherwise challenging environment for the UK beer industry. Despite the British weather this summer, we had a good first half and our performance demonstrates the resilience of high quality, premium brands as far as the UK consumer is concerned."
ENDS
1 Source: Neilsen. Volumes recorded on a moving annual total (MAT) basis.
Notes to editors
Overview of SABMiller
SABMiller plc is one of the world's leading brewers with more than 200 beer brands and some 70,000 employees in over 75 countries. The group's portfolio includes global brands such as Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Grolsch; as well as leading local brands such as Aguila (Colombia), Castle (South Africa), Miller Lite (USA), Snow (China), Victoria Bitter (Australia) and Tyskie (Poland). SABMiller also has growing soft drinks businesses and is one of the world's largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products.
In the year ended 31 March 2012 the group reported EBITA of US$5,634 million and group revenue of US$31,388 million. SABMiller plc is listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.
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Miller Brands is the UK and Ireland subsidiary of SABMiller, one of the world's largest brewers. Miller Brands has responsibility for the development of SABMiller's international premium brands across the UK and Ireland; these include Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell and Miller Genuine Draft. Through its consistent pricing and distribution discipline, supplemented by engaging marketing activities, Miller Brands is bringing value back into the beer category. More information can be found at www.millerbrands.co.uk.
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SABMiller plct: +44 20 7659 0100
Richard FarnsworthBusiness Media Relations ManagerSABMiller plct: +44 20 7659 0188
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