SABMiller Plc, the world's second largest brewer, is radically changing its export strategy. The changes are aimed at achieving its goal of turning Pilsner Urquell into one of the top five global beer brands, Prague Business Journal reports. The London-based subsidiary, Pilsner Urquell International, will be shut down. Most of the responsibility for worldwide Pilsner Urquell sales will be moved back to Plzen in the Czech Republic, the home of the Urquell and the town that gave pilsner its name. The Czech-based export department will investigate the possibilities for selling Pilsner Urquell in the U.S. following SAB's acquisition of Miller Brewing Company from Philip Morris last May.

14 May, 2003