Diageo Ireland has announced that the sale and distribution of Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I's beers in Ireland will move to Bulmers-owner C&C Group, effective from 1 July, 2020.
'Over time the respective business priorities of Diageo Ireland and Budweiser Brewing Group have evolved and together have made a mutual decision to end the relationship in Ireland when the current contract concludes on 30 June 2020,' Diageo Ireland said in a statement.
Speaking about the decision, Oliver Loomes, country director, Diageo Ireland said: “Budweiser Brewing Group and their team have been fantastic partners over the years and I am proud of the work we have done together to build Budweiser into one of the most successful beer brands in Ireland."
'Business as Usual'
The drinks giant said that and until then, it is business as usual with Diageo Ireland continuing to brew, market and sell Budweiser and Bud Light in Ireland.
"We will of course continue to brew, market and distribute Budweiser until the end of June," Loomes added.
The Next Chapter
“We are proud of all that we have achieved together with Diageo and are looking forward to an exciting next chapter with C&C," Paula Lindenberg, president, Budweiser Brewing Group.
"As we look to the future, we’ll be working closely to ensure a smooth transition to our customers, and we are hugely grateful to Diageo for a positive working relationship over the years.”
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
