AB InBev Gains Market Share Despite Drop In UK Sales

Fri, 14 Aug 2009

Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s biggest brewing compnay, has announced that total UK sales of its beer were down nearly 5 per cent in the first half of the year.

The Budweiser, Stella Artois and Becks brewer said the 4.8 per cent decline in UK sales was due to the tough economic climate, which also caused global volumes to fall by 0.4 per cent during the six months period.

However, the company added that it had gained market share thanks to the launch of lower-strength Stella Artois 4 per cent, which included a new advertising campaign.

In spite of weak market conditions, InBev reported a near-7 per cent rise in UK volumes of Stella Artois between April and June, which it said demonstrated "strong brand health".

Stuart MacFarlane, president of InBev UK said: "In the UK we have delivered some encouraging results in the first half of 2009 despite the difficult economic climate and weak industry conditions."

"We have gained market share in the UK as a result of the resurgence of Stella Artois following the launch of Stella Artois 4 per cent and the new creative strategy.

He added: "We have made a promising start to the year but the UK beer market remains very challenging. We are building the foundation for future growth of our brands by continuing to invest in sales and marketing resources."

Anheuser-Busch InBev was formed last November following the merger of US-based Anheuser-Busch and Belgium's InBev .
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