Mexico & Australia: Grupo Modelo evaluating options for Corona beer in Australia

Mexican brewer Grupo Modelo has responded to speculation about the future of its lucrative Corona beer contract in Australia, The Shout reported on January, 9.

The Corona contract has long been held by Foster's, but recent media reports have suggested Coca-Cola Amatil is planning to bid for the contract once it is free to return to the Australian beer market next year.

Grupo Modelo spokeswoman Jennifer Shelley said the company is "currently evaluating its options" for Corona in Australia.

"We don't speculate about the possible results," she said.

Shelley confirmed Corona's continued dominance of the premium imported beer market.

"Corona is currently performing very well in Australia, where almost 4 out of every 10 imported beers consumed in the country are Corona beers," she said.

Coca-Cola Amatil spokeswoman Sally Loane said the company "doesn't comment on market speculation", The Shout reports.

11 January, 2012