The Publication For The Grocery Trade

SABMiller to invest £30 million to promote brands in the UK

SABMiller plc has announced the launch of MILLER BRANDS (UK) Limited, a new operating company which will manage the sales, marketing and distribution of Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Castle Lager in the UK. For the first time, MILLER BRANDS will drive the strategic direction and investment for all four of SABMiller’s premium brands in the UK. An initial investment of £30 million (US$52 million) over the next two years signals the company's determination to increase its share of the premium beer market. As part of this move, SABMiller has reached a new agreement with Scottish & Newcastle plc to transfer the marketing and distribution rights for Miller Genuine Draft to MILLER BRANDS from January 2006. At the same time Scottish & Newcastle will transfer back the distribution rights for Peroni Nastro Azzurro in the off-trade. Scottish & Newcastle will continue to contract brew Miller Genuine Draft and manage the ‘Miller Beer’ brand under licence in the UK. Gary Whitlie, Managing Director of MILLER BRANDS, commented: "We have an exciting portfolio of well known international brands that we believe has strong growth potential in the UK. Our investment of £30 million demonstrates our commitment to this market and we are determined to bring a fresh approach to satisfying the needs of our customers and consumers. This is a premium brand business which will leverage our considerable global experience in building profitable beer brands." Physical distribution of product will commence in October 2005 when MILLER BRANDS takes over responsibility for Pilsner Urquell, Castle Lager and Peroni Nastro Azzurro (on-trade). Miller Genuine Draft will follow in January 2006. The company is based at SABMiller House in Woking and initially creates 35 new jobs. For further information on MILLER BRANDS please visit the website: www.millerbrands.co.uk BRAND INFORMATION Peroni Nastro Azzurro: Italian style applied to beer. An intensely crisp and refreshing beer, with an unmistakable touch of Italian style. Brewed to the original recipe and imported from Italy, it is available in the most stylish bars and restaurants - making it the no. 1 bottled lager in the UK restaurant channel (source: AC Nielsen). www.peroniitaly.com Taste notes: Crisp and lightly sparkling premium lager, Peroni Nastro Azzurro is brewed using the finest variety of 2-row spring planted barley and the highest quality maize, malts and hops. Its unique taste is refreshing and dry, with a clear-cut, clean character and clarity. 5.1% ABV. UK distribution: Stocked in stylish bars and clubs in the major cities, upmarket restaurants, including Italian restaurants like Pizza Express, ASK and Carluccio's - and most UK supermarkets. Available in 33 cl bottle, 4-packs, 66 cl bottle and 30 L draught kegs. Miller Genuine Draft: Cold-filtered for a smooth refreshing taste, it sets the pace for urban night time. With its slight sweet taste and moderate bitterness, it is a smart choice for a great night out. An award winning American-style, premium lager in clear glass packaging and brewed without additives or preservatives. www.mgd.com Taste notes: Miller Genuine Draft has a low to moderate malty aroma and a moderate fruity aroma. It has a slight sweet taste with a modest bitterness and easy drinking body. Miller Genuine Draft is crisp and smooth, with a low to moderate aftertaste. 4.7% ABV. UK distribution: MGD is available in selected trendy bars, clubs and music venues. The brand has nearly 100% on-trade distribution in Scotland. Available in all supermarkets. In 33 cl Long-Neck bottle, 4-packs, 10-packs, 12-packs, and cases of 24. Pilsner Urquell: Before Pilsner Urquell all beers were dark or cloudy. The world's first golden beer, it gave its name to a whole new style of beer - Pilsner. Pilsner Urquell was first created in 1842 and is still brewed at the original source in Pilsen in the Czech Republic (Pilsner Urquell actually means 'Pilsner from the original source'). It delivers its harmonious full-bodied flavour and fine bitterness at a modest 4.4% ABV. Many who know their beer regard Pilsner Urquell as 'the way beer is meant to taste.' www.pilsnerurquell.com Taste notes: An intensely hoppy, full bodied flavour with a characteristically fine bitterness against a background of honey-sweetness. UK distribution: Available in selected accounts, with particular presence in the up and coming trendy areas of London (Shoreditch, Hoxton, Soho) and in Edinburgh. Available on draught and in bottles. Throughout the country in Majestic Wine, most supermarkets and specialists retailers. In bottles 33cl, 4-pack and 66cl bottle. Castle Lager: Castle Lager is perfectly balanced by South Africa's finest brew masters, using the country's best ingredients. Brewed since 1895 with local barley and hops, and adding sun ripened South African maize for drinkability. It is a proud choice fuelling the spirit of South Africans in the UK. www.castlelager.co.za Taste notes: Castle Lager is a perfectly balanced lager with a distinctive taste (somewhat dry, somewhat bitter) that delivers maximum drinkability. 5% ABV. UK distribution: Available in theme bars like Springbok, and other sportsbars, traditional pubs and modern bars, and in selected supermarkets. Available in 33cl bottles, 4-packs and 75 cl bottles. Miller Beer: Miller Beer is a refreshing American style draught lager, brewed to standard strength of 4.2% ABV. The number 2 most popular standard lager in Scotland, it appeals to legal drinking age consumers looking for a contemporary beer with a great taste that is less filling. Available on draught and in cans. UK distribution: Available in mainstream distribution in over 2000 bars and pubs in Scotland. 44 cl and 50 cl cans available in most off-premise channels.