E-Malt.com News article: The Czech Republic: Budweiser Budvar packages its beer in a new way, prices remain the same

At the beginning of April, Budweiser Budvar, N.C. launched a new 0.5 litre can packaging for its Budweiser Budvar Premium Lager, the Czech brewer announced on its official website.

The original 24-can tray newly includes four 6-can paper bags. A special-offer multipack packaging for Budweiser Budvar alcohol-free beer, which is going to be on sale from April to September 2009, represents also a newcomer, it is reported.

“This packaging should be a very convenient one for our customers; hence we are launching it indefinitely. What is an important aspect is that the new packaging format is not going to affect the price, which remains the same,” says Budweiser Budvar’s domestic sales manager Martin Horejš.

Due to its practicality, lower weight and higher resistance in comparison with glass bottles, cans are more popular particularly in the summer travelling and holiday periods. In 2008, Budweiser Budvar sold approximately 5% of its production in cans.

“Generally, the popularity of multipacks has been growing with our customers, which was also confirmed by last year’s interest in an alcohol-free beer multipack, substantially surpassing our expectations. Consumers especially appreciate the practicality of such type of packaging when buying a higher amount of bottles,” adds Martin Horejš.

Overall sales of Budweiser Budvar alcohol-free beer annually increased by 13% in 2008. The alcohol-free beer is sold in 0.5 litre or 0.33 litre bottles and since last year also in 20-litre kegs.

Budweiser Budvar, N.C. has long been one of the most successful Czech brewers. Nearly half of its production is exported to more than 50 countries worldwide. Budweiser Budvar’s sales increased annually by 4.5 % in 2008, having reached the volume of 1,312,580 hectolitres of beer. The brewery’s 2007 gross profit annually grew by 13% onto the total of CZK 302 million. Since 1991, about CZK 3,500 million has been invested into the modernization and development of the brewery.


30 April, 2009