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Budweiser coming

Budweiser coming

SABMiller’s presence on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, or lack thereof may be the start of exciting new developments on the local beer scene with plans in place to introduce some of the world’s most popular beer brands locally.
With the planned merger of AB InBev and SABMiller now just a mere formality, the Economist spoke to Maija-Liisa Prinzonsky to hear what is in the pipeline from SABMiller’s perspective.
Said Prinzonsky, “The business combination between AB InBev and SABMiller took place at a global level and did not affect the ownership structures of the local entities in Africa.”
On the issue of market penetration, Prinzonsky remained coy and fielded the question, indicating that she is not in a position to comment yet but pointed out that there are plans to introduce foreign beer brands into the local market in the near future.
In the future, SABMiller Namibia brands will include some of the [international] brands.” AB InBev currently boasts in its collection Becks, Corona and Budweiser. Asked whether SABMiller Namibia would look at the use of locally grown inputs in the production of their beer products, Prinzonsky could not answer simply stating, “no comment.”
SABMiller and AB InBev confirmed plans to merge in November after years of speculation. London-based SABMiller makes Redd’s and Fosters, among other brands, and AB InBev’s brands include Bud Light, Budweiser and Stella Artois.
The combined company has US$55 billion in annual sales and an estimated global market share of 28%, according to market research firm Euromonitor International. “With the merger, AB InBev will have a stronger presence in key emerging regions with attractive growth prospects, such as Africa and Latin America”, AB In Bev said recently.

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The Staff Reporter

The staff reporter is the most senior in-house Economist reporter. This designation is frequently used by the editor for articles submitted by third parties, especially businesses, but which had to be rewritten completely. - Ed.