E-Malt.com News article: Australia & USA: Coca-Cola Amatil signs “long-term exclusive” distribution agreement with Boston Beer

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) said on November 4 it has signed a “long-term exclusive” agreement with The Boston Beer Co to distribute its Samuel Adams brand in Australia.

Group Managing Director, Terry Davis said, “We are pleased to announce that we have entered into a long-term exclusive agreement to distribute America’s largest selling craft beer, Samuel Adams, into Australia from mid-December. The Boston Beer Company is America’s leading brewer of handcrafted, full-flavoured beers and has won more awards in the last five years than any other brewery in the world.

“With just over a month left until CCA re-enters the beer and cider market in Australia, we are ready to hit the ground running with a great portfolio of beer and cider brands. Our line-up will include the Molson Coors premium beers including Blue Moon and Coors and a full range of Rekorderlig ciders in both bottled and draught from January 2014.”

The company has also developed a number of its own products including Alehouse, an on-premise only premium draught beer in both mid and full strength, and Pressman’s cider, an Australian craft cider.

“We have also been making great progress on our revitalisation plan for Paradise Beverages in Fiji at both our beer and rum operations with capital upgrades well advanced and a strong new product pipeline. I believe the alcoholic beverages business will generate 1-2% of incremental Group earnings growth in 2014,” Mr. Davis said.

Coca-Cola Amatil had flagged a return to the Australian beer market in 2014, as soon as a non-compete agreement with Foster's parent SABMiller expires.


06 November, 2013