E-Malt.com News article: The Czech Republic: Budweiser Budvar launches first-ever can line and opens a new filling hall

Budweiser Budvar has begun operation of their first-ever can line and new filling hall, a EUR4.1 million investment allowing them to boost exports to markets in neighbouring countries, Brewers’ Guardian reported on February, 21.

The KHS-supplied line is rated at 16,800 cans per hours and offers Budvar increased flexibility in SKUs. Until now only a 500ml can has been available; going forward 330ml and 440ml volumes can be introduced.

The state-owned Czech brewer predicts that 75 per cent of the line’s output will be exported, with the biggest markets being Austria, Switzerland and Germany as well as Canada and the United Kingdom.

Budweiser Budvar UK director of off-trade sales Jon Whittle commented, “There is a shortage of top class brews to be had in a can so in this respect we can see Budvar satisfying a genuine need to offer a great beer with a fashionable form of packaging.”

Recent substantial increases in canned beer sales have led to Budvar making the investment. In 2005 sales of canned beer totalled just 9,000 hectolitres; by 2012 this volume had increased to 74,000hl. Further increases are anticipated.

Vaclav Klaus, president of the Czech Republic, officially opened the line on 14th February.

22 February, 2013