FDBusiness.com

Miller Brands UK (MBUK) continues to lead the ‘world beer’ category in the UK as it reports 11% NPR (net producer revenue) growth on trading for the six months ending September 2014. MBUK’s premium and authentically brewed brands Peroni Nastro Azzuro, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel continue to resonate with UK drinkers who are increasingly seeking brands they trust as authentic and the genuine article. MBUK’s volumes grew by 5% across the UK as a result of increased rate of sale, impactful marketing initiatives and good weather over the summer period.

Continued growth of Italian style brand, Peroni Nastro Azzurro has seen it maintain its position as the number one premium lager brand by value in the on-trade, with a value share of 33% within the world beer category. With every bottle and keg of Peroni Nastro Azzuro brewed and bottled in Italy at SABMiller’s breweries in Rome, Bari and Padova the brand continues to see a loyal following through campaigns such as ‘Storie di Stile’ and ‘House of Peroni’, which received nearly 10,000 visitors in its May residency. New innovations such as Piccola, a new 25cl bottle launched in June 2014 – aimed at pre-dinner drinks continue to drive desire for world beer, across a variety of drinking occasions.

Czech brand Pilsner Urquell strengthened its position with volume growth of 19% through continued impact of Wooden Barrel sampling and success at Taste of London where it sold 10,500 pints across the food festival and highlighted its position as the original Pilsner from Plzen and world’s first clear beer. Tankovna Beer continued expansion in London with its third launch since 2013 at Draft House, Seething Lane. Pilsner Urquell is currently the only international beer offered to the Irish market in an unpasteurised form, following the first ever Tank launch at The Bridge 1859, Dublin this October. The heritage and quality of taste is anticipated to be a success with Irish consumers as the market sees an increase in the choice of beer available to consumers, with many choosing to trade up to more premium offers.

On draught – easy-drinking flavoursome Czech brand Kozel experienced a strong first half with 27% volume increase, particularly amongst young urban professionals. Belgian Abbey beer St Stefanus, which is brewed and imported from Ghent will now be available nationally though Matthew Clark.

Gary Haigh, Managing Director of Miller Brands UK, says: “The industry has long suffered declining volumes and it’s great to be supporting the recovery of this with brands such as Peroni Nastro Azzuro, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel. These brands carry heritage whilst continuing to innovate therefore driving the category forward and exciting new consumers to world beer.”