SAB Miller bucks UK beer decline with imported lager success

SAB Miller's UK subsidiary Miller Brands has grown lager volumes 4% in the year to March 31, with especially strong performance from global brand Pilsner Urquell, which was up 10% during the year.

The positive showing came despite poor weather during the last 12 months, which led to an industry-wide decline in the UK beer market of 5.1% over the same period.

SAB Miller attributed Miller Brands’ growth to a continued focus on its imported lager portfolio: Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft, St Stefanus, Lech and Tyskie, and notably Czech-brerwed brand Pilsner Urquell.

"As interest in world beers continues to grow among British drinkers, the Miller Brands team drove a campaign based around Pilsner Urquell’s unique taste profile and its heritage. The business has enjoyed great success in building and growing the Peroni Nastro Azzurro brand in the UK and intends to deliver similar results with the Pilsner Urquell brand," SAB Miller said.

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