USA & UK: AB InBev’s Goose Island signs new distribution agreement in the UK

AB InBev's operating unit in the United Kingdom has signed a new distribution agreement with Greene King to expand sales of Goose Island beer, St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on July 15.

The new exclusive deal, effective in October, gives Greene King rights to distribute Goose Island Indian Pale Ale, Goose Island Honkers Ale and 312 Urban Wheat, among other beers, in England and Wales.

Belgium-based AB InBev acquired Goose Island, a Chicago-based craft brewer, in 2011 for $38.8 million and expanded its distribution in the U.S. to all 50 states last year. Goose Island's sales in the U.S. grew 62 percent in 2013, according to AB InBev, whose North American headquarters is in St. Louis.

"The partnership between Greene King, Goose Island and AB InBev will see ambitious plans for growth of the brand in the U.K. through up weighted support for the trade, including draught for the first time in the U.K., initially through our own pubs," Chris Houlton, managing director for Greene King Brewing & Brands, said in a statement. Goose Island is currently distributed in the U.K., but only in bottles.

Greene King, based in England, operates 2,300 pubs, restaurants and hotels and brews Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale, Belhaven Best, and Old Speckled Hen.

16 July, 2014