AUS: Lion Nathan wins Bud distribution rights

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 24 September 2009

Lion Nathan is to distribute the Budweiser portfolio of brands in Australia and New Zealand from December, the company announced this week. The deal also provides for local brewing of Budweiser in Australia as sales grow, a statement said.

Budweiser was previously distributed in Australia and New Zealand by independent brewer Coopers.

In New Zealand, the Czech beer Staropramen wil also join Lion Nathan's portfolio of beers.

"We are delighted to be adding the Budweiser group of brands to our existing portfolio of international premium brands, which includes Beck's, Heineken and Kirin," said Andrew Reeves, managing director of Lion Nathan Australia.

He added: "The premium segment is in growth as Australian drinkers trade up in quality. We look forward to working with Anheuser-Busch InBev to grow Budweiser's presence in this market."

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Lion Nathan, Heineken, Kirin, Anheuser-Busch, InBev