Sab Teams Up With Coke

[Doc]

Full story avail from here

Hopefully they will be able to import some more boutique beers over the announcement of Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell and Miller Genuine Draft.

Doc

International brewer SABMiller said it had signed a joint venture deal with Coca-Cola Amatil to import, market and distribute premium beer brands in Australia.

SAB said the 50-50 venture, which will be known as Pacific Beverages, will combine its own marketing expertise with Coca-Cola Amatil's (CCA) comprehensive sales and distribution infrastructure.

The deal should put SAB in a better position to profit from Australia's strongly growing market for premium beer.

The firm said this market had grown by 15 percent per year over the past five years, driven specifically by imported premium brands.

The Pacific Beverages venture is expected to be operational by Christmas this year and will sell SAB's Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell and Miller Genuine Draft beers. Andr Parker, managing director of SAB's Africa and Asia division, predicted the deal would make SAB a formidable contender in Australia.

 

[Gough]

Looking on the bright side, I guess in theory it ups our chances of getting ready supplies of FRESH Urquell... Looking forward to that at least...

Shawn.

 

[bugwan]

I hope this deal doesn't put too much pressure on local brewers though. CUB and Tooheys will survive (unfortunately), but some of the more boutique/craft outfits may lose some market share when they go head to head with Urquell et al (at possibly reduced prices)...

I guess time will tell. From a consumer's perspective, if I can get some Pilsener Urquell for a few cents less, then I'll keep my complaints to myself!

 

[warrenlw63]

Looking on the bright side, I guess in theory it ups our chances of getting ready supplies of FRESH Urquell... Looking forward to that at least...

Shawn.

Now truly a world brand.

Warren -

 

[jayse]

This to me is bad bad news, like bugwan mentioned the ignorant beer drinkers and bar owners are gunna buy this over real microbrewed beer and its certainly not good for the already miserable market share microbreweries have. h34r:

I say don't keep your complaints to yourself people, theres no way anyone can benefit out of this except the companies that are already rolling in cash. :beerbang:
Bastards!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alcohol fueled brewtality
Jayse

 

[Doogiechap]

I tend to agree with you Jayse. By the same token it may entice some mega swill consumers to 'experiment' with these more accessable international beers and open up their ignorant world a little thus toying with local boutique product ? Comments from the micro's invited