SABMiller’s UK premium brands continue strong growth

SABMiller announces today that Miller Brands, its UK operation, continues to deliver outstanding growth in a marketplace which saw premium lager decline by 3% over the same period.(i)

According to AC Nielsen, in the six months 30 September 2009, Miller Brands grew its value share of UK premium lager to 6%, a growth of 16%, and is now looking for a new brand to expand on this success. Peroni Nastro Azzurro delivered 35% year on year volume growth - the equivalent of an additional 23 million bottles. Pilsner Urquell has grown volumes by 26%. This contrasts with overall UK lager market volumes which declined 7% over the same period.

Nick Miller, MD of Miller Brands, says: "Our success is due in no small part to the integrity and desirability of our brands and we are determined that we won't sacrifice this for the sake of incremental volumes. We will continue to build and nurture differentiated brands that deliver a top quality drinking experience for our consumers and margin opportunities for our customers." SABMiller has around 200 brands worldwide, brewed across six continents and Miller Brands is currently undertaking a detailed evaluation of the opportunity to expand its range of UK brands through the introduction of another SABMiller brand to the market. Nick Miller continues "We are currently conducting detailed research with retailers and consumers to understand where there are needs that could be fulfilled by a brand from an SABMiller market elsewhere in the world. We haven't reached a decision yet on what that brand will be, but we have an incredibly exciting and extensive range to choose from."

(i) AC Nielsen On & Off Trade data April 09 to Sept 09 versus April 08 to Sept 08.
(ii) Miller Brands UK internal data

SOURCE SABMiller plc