SABMiller looks to introduce premium beer brands in India

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Bangalore, May 7

With the Indian liquor market moving towards premium brands, the world's third largest beer maker, SABMiller is likely to bring to India, the iconic Dutch premium beer Grolsch, which it acquired for about $1.2 billion late last year.

Miller launch

SABMiller, which has grown mostly through acquisitions, is also likely to launch Miller Lite beer soon.

As reported earlier, it recently won a legal case against a Canadian company paving the way for the Miller launch in India.

"Now that we have won the case, Miller beer can now be launched in India," SABMiller Director (Marketing), Mr Apurv Nagpal, told Business Line. SABMiller's Director for corporate affairs, Mr Sundeep Kumar, explained that a Canada-based company had earlier entered into an arrangement with Miller for India, which was subsequently terminated.

"They had filed for damages. Their appeal has been dismissed by a district court in the US, clearing the way for us to introduce Miller in India if we want," Mr Kumar said.

The uniqueness of Grolsch beer is that it is packaged in a distinct bottle which comes with a swing - topped replaceable cap. SABMiller wants to introduce more of such premium brands in India because of the rapidly expanding premium beer market in the country. Mr Nagpal said even though premium beer market is currently very small, it is showing an exceptional growth in India.

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