Booming demand for Pilsner Urquell and Peroni has helped the world’s second-biggest brewer boost beer sales 5% in the UK over the past six months.
Miller Brands, the UK subsidiary of South African giant SABMiller, today said sales of its Czech Pilsner Urquell brand jumped 17% in the half year to September 30, helped by a record July as well as huge enthusiasm for its unpasteurised tank beer following a trial over the summer.
Beers are usually pasteurised to ensure uniformity and a longer shelf life, but Miller installed two huge copper tanks at the White Horse pub in Parsons Green, allowing drinkers to experience the yeast and flavours of the unpasteurised beer delivered within 24 hours from the brewery in Pilsen. Miller will now roll out the tanks at key London locations.
SABMiller, which has more than 200 beer brands including Grolsch, grew lager volumes 1%. Pre-tax profits rose 7% to $2.43 billion (£1.5 billion) helped by higher prices and upmarket beers. The shares rose 24.5p to 3259.5p.
