E-Malt.com News article: World: Peruvian Cusqueña beer enjoys success abroad

Cusqueña beer produced by Backus and Johnston Union of Peruvian Breweries has achieved great selling success in South America, North America, Europe and Asia, the parent company SABMiller reported on August, 26.

Cusqueña's exportation has performed quite well in countries such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Japan and Chile where it is sold under the name of "Cusqueña: Inca's Gold" in honor of Cusco, its city of origin.

"We are very happy with the results achieved in the last few years. We are also happy for the work that our distribution associates are doing around the world, which contributes to the growth of the brand's popularity globally," stated Backus Director of Exportations, Richard Gallagher.

In 2009, Cusqueña achieved a sales growth of 30% in the United Kingdom thanks to marketing in cities like England, Scotland and Wales, which is evident by its presence in more than 120 prestigious bars, restaurants and hotels in London. It has also been able to place itself among the 21 most sold brands in a group of 80 4-pack brands in the last five years in more than 2,400 national supermarkets.

In the United States, the response has also been positive in the 20 states where Cusqueña is present. In 2008, Cusqueña reached the biggest historic sales volume in the United States surpassing its 2007 sales by 48% and its best year to that date (2005) by 17%. Cusqueña has maintained a positive tendency over the last 15 years since it joined the North American market, where it is known as the "Number One South American Imported Beer.” In the last year, Cusqueña reached 26% of the total exportations and as of May 2009 it reached 32% among other South American countries that export beer, such as Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile.

Chilean market has welcomed Cusqueña quite well, which is evident by a 36% growth in the last year, thanks to marketing throughout 17 centers of national distribution. Cusqueña is present in more than 86% of the national supermarkets, 97% of the main venues, more than 250 bars, restaurants and hotels in Chile. Compared to last year, it has grown by 80% and it is now considered an International Premium brand in the most exclusive Chilean venues where it is distributed.

"We will continue expanding our distribution network to other countries, where we hope to find the same acceptance that we have received internationally. This will consolidate even more our position as the world's South American Premium beer," added Gallagher.



04 September, 2009