Plzensky Prazdroj to raise prices of certain products

In connection to the rise in prices for external input for the production and distribution of beer, the management of Plzensky Prazdroj, a. s., following careful consideration, has decided to raise the price of certain products.

The price of barley as a primary brewing ingredient has increased by more than 10% since the last price modification, while the price for gas has gone up by about 40%, the price for electricity by 10%, the price for diesel by 20% and the price for KEGs by 30%.

“We are aware of the exceptional position of beer on the Czech market, the strong competition and the resulting high sensitivity of price increases among popular beer brands. Therefore, our company has decided to solve the rising prices of ingredients, energy and other input through the continuous improvement of management, innovations and savings. However, the cumulated increase of input prices in recent months has forced us to take a decision to raise the prices of some of our products,” says Otakar Binder, Sales and Distribution Director at Plzensky Prazdroj.
 
As of 1 November, the price for keg beer will increase: Pilsner Urquell by 1.40 CZK per 0.5 l, Gambrinus and Radegast lager by 1.00 CZK per 0.5 l, Gambrinus and Radegast pale tap beer by 0.60 CZK per 0.5 l. The last price increase among most KEG beers took place in November 2004.

The price for bottled beer will rise only for certain types of packaging with regards to past price increases and the company’s strategy. The price for the best-selling varieties of all brands, meaning 0.5 l bottles, will remain unchanged.

Contact:
Vladimir Jurina
724 617 886
Lucie Roztocilova
724 617 824
Corporate Affairs Department

x x x

• With total sales of more than 10.2 million hectolitres at home and abroad in the calendar year 2005, and with exports to more than 50 countries worldwide, Plzensky Prazdroj, a. s., is the leading beer producer in Central Europe and the largest exporter of Czech beer.
  
• Plzensky Prazdroj, a. s., is a subsidiary of SABMiller plc, by volume the second largest global brewing company worldwide with brewing interests or distribution agreements in over 60 countries across five continents. The group’s brands include premium international beers such as Pilsner Urquell, Miller Genuine Draft and Peroni Nastro Azzurro, as well as an exceptional range of market leading local brands. Outside the USA, SABMiller plc is also one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world.
  

Pilsen