Miller Brands, the UK arm of SABMiller, has reported net producer revenue up 11% for the first half of the year, driven by growth of its premium brands.
In the six months ending September 2014 the company’s volumes grew 5% across the UK, a rise it credited to increased rate of sale, impactful marketing initiatives and good weather over the summer period.
MBUK said Peroni Nastro Azzurro had maintained 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. The company said its new 25cl bottle launched in June had helped to drive sales.
Czech brand Pilsner Urquell strengthened its position with volume growth of 19%. Tankovna Beer continued expansion in London with its third launch since 2013 at Draft House, Seething Lane. The company also predicted Pilsner Urquell will be a success in Ireland after its Tank launch at The Bridge 1859, Dublin in October.
Czech brand Kozel also experienced a strong first half with 27% volume increase, with MBUK highlighting young urban professionals as a key market.
The company also announced 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, said: “Today’s performance is testament to the choices UK beer drinkers are making for genuine and authentic tasting beer. 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.”
