Asahi completes Miller Brands UK acquisition

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 12 October, 2016

Japanese brewing giant Asahi has completed its acquistion of Miller Brands UK and the creation of Asahi UK, the company announced today.

Key brands in the portfolio include Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch and Meantime.

The acquisition will enable Asahi to further target the UK Super Premium sector, which is currently worth some £1.3billion is experiencing double-digit growth year on year.

Peroni has been a key driver in the sector's growth and is responsible for over half of its volume sales. The sector now accounts for more than a quarter of the London beer market.

ABInBev was forced to sell SAB Miller's UK brands to meet competition regulations in its acquisition of the latter's global business.

Gary Haigh, managing director of Asahi UK, said: "Our Super Premium Brand portfolio is powered by a seamless distribution network, expert customer marketing and sales capability - this means we can extend and grow Asahi's ambition in the UK.

"With the backing of the Asahi Group we will be able to continue our strategies for the brands, building on their success and allowing our customers to benefit from meeting the demands of UK consumers for high-quality beer brands."

Akiyoshi Koji, president of Asahi Group, said: "We are proud to have become uniquely attractive group with loved brands and great talent. I am convinced that by working together, we will be able to grow our business and serve our customers and consumers even better. "

Other brands in the Asahi UK portfolio include Pilsner Urquell, St Stefanus and Kozel.

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