Belgium: AB InBev denies price increase collusion with Heineken’s Alken Maes

AB InBev has denied that it colluded with Heineken's Alken Maes subsidiary over a beer price rise in its native Belgium, local media reported this week.

The country's finance minister has reportedly asked competition authorities to investigate the two brewers' decision to raise their beer prices by around 6% in March. However, a spokesperson for AB InBev dismissed suggestions that there has been any collusion.

"Information about pricing or cost structure is competitively sensitive and therefore never shared or discussed with competitors," the spokesperson said in a statement issued on January, 3. "Should the Belgian Competition Counsel wish to look into the matter, it goes without saying that InBev Belgium would fully cooperate."

From 1 March, AB InBev will increase prices for beer crates and cans sold in the Belgian off-trade by 5.9%, to cover higher costs. Alken Maes plans to raise beer prices in the country by 6% on 12 March.

06 January, 2012