United Kingdom: Stella Artois again brewed in Samlesbury

Stella Artois, the world-famous lager, is to be produced again at AB InBev’s brewery in Samlesbury after a two-year absence, Lancashire Evening Post reported on February, 10.

Budweiser may also be kegged in Lancashire next year when the Belgium-based brewing giant shuts down another brewery, the newspaper said.

Barrels will now be filled with Stella Artois for pubs across the country during the 10-week trial period.

It is hoped it will become permanent if the trial is a success.

The kegging line at the brewery on Cuerdale Lane, Samlesbury, was mothballed by AB InBev two years ago as sales plunged with pubs and clubs forced to shut by the impact of the smoking ban.

It shifted kegging to its Wellpark brewery in Glasgow and Magor in South Wales but sold the Scottish site to C&C Group, the Irish brewers of Magners cider and Tennents lager, in August.

AB InBev decided to re-open the Samlesbury line which had previously focused on producing bottles and cans of beer to relieve pressure on the Welsh site.

It has also announced it plans to shut The Stag Brewery in London by 2011 meaning production of Budweiser could also shift to Lancashire.

The brewing giant 'retired' its Castlemaine XXXX brand, which was canned at Samlesbury, in June to focus on Stella, Budweiser and Beck's.

12 February, 2010