The world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch Cos., has launched again its top-selling beer Budweiser in South Africa, after the absence since 2001 in that birthplace of rival SABMiller, the company announced on September 25, according to Associated Press. Anheuser-Busch, which had a South African presence from 1997 until its former importer ceased trading, will offer Budweiser from its London brewery to that country's major cities, the company said in a statement Thursday.

South Africa is the world's 11th-largest beer market, said Andrew Day, vice president and managing director of Anheuser-Busch Europe Ltd. Budweiser is already available in more than 80 countries and it will be imported to South Africa by Xtreme Brands, the domestic distribution arm of Weitnauer Africa Ltd.
London-based SABMiller began as South African Breweries. It became the world's second-largest brewer after acquiring Miller Brewing Co. in July 2002. The company controls 98 percent of South Africa's domestic beer market through Castle, Carling Black Label and other brands.

26 September, 2003