SABMiller’s brands drive growth in the UK ‘World Beer’ market

SABMiller announces that its UK subsidiary, Miller Brands, has delivered lager volume growth of 8% in the 12 months to 31 March 2012, despite a declining UK lager market. Much of this growth is the result of Miller Brands’ premium portfolio which has been a significant driver behind the popularity of World Beer in the UK. Peroni, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel all grew by double digits during the year.

Recent research conducted by Miller Brands has found that World Beer is the only sector of the UK beer category experiencing significant growth. If the current trend continues, by the start of 2014 World Beer could be worth more than £2.1bn in sales and make up 19% of total lager value1.

Miller Brands Managing Director, Gary Haigh, says:

“As austerity measures bite, consumers are more discerning about what they consider an everyday treat. When it comes to beer brands they are increasingly looking for brands with a story, heritage and interesting provenance. We see this trend continuing for the next few years resulting in a strong and vibrant World Beer category.”

Miller Brands has an exciting programme of events for the year, with Peroni Nastro Azzurro at the heart of further collaborations between Italian artists, designers and British talent. Pilsner Urquell will be available to consumers as it is served in Czech: unfiltered, unpasteurised and direct from the brewery – including from a 4,751-pint barrel at the Taste of London Festival. Notwithstanding a quiet start to F13 due to poor weather, Miller Brands’ growth is expected to continue helped in particular by events such as the Queen’s Jubilee, Euro 2012 and the Olympics.