Pilsner Urquell to be exported to Poland directly from Pilsen

Production at Tychy was intended solely for the Polish market, where the beer was distributed. With the Czech Republic and Poland’s accession to the EU, the customs barriers were eliminated. Also, due to further investments to expand the production capacity in Pilsen during past years, the reasons for this licensed production no longer exist. Pilsner Urquell for Poland will now be brewed in Pilsen, as it is for the Czech market and more than 50 other export countries.

„We have made this decision with the aim to strengthen the position of Pilsner Urquell in the Polish market and to further enhance its appeal in the top premium segment. We are looking forward to many future years of success in the Polish market,“ said Doug Brodman, CEO of Plzeňský Prazdoj.

Poland is the third major market for Pilsner Urquell beer in the long term.

Details on the Polish beer market:
Poland is the fourth major beer market in Europe, with an annual consumption of 30 to 35 million hectolitres.* After a decline in sales in the past years as a consequence of excise tax increases, the beer market in Poland partly stabilised in 2010, and its decline is now estimated at 1 to 2 percent. Nevertheless, the recent period has reflected difficult economic conditions and other adverse events, such as heavy flooding and the tragic death of the president of Poland.

*Source: Brewers of Europe

Notes for editors:

• With total sales of 9.9 million hectolitres in the calendar year 2010 (including licensed production abroad) and exports to more than 50 countries around the world, Plzeňský Prazdroj is a major beer producer in the region and the largest exporter of Czech beer.
• Plzeňský Prazdroj, a.s. is a member of SABMiller plc. Pilsner Urquell is the international flagship of the SABMiller brand portfolio.
• SABMiller plc is one of the world’s  largest brewers, with brewing interests or distribution agreements in over 60 countries across six continents. The SABMiller brand portfolio consists of international brands such as Grolsch, Miller Genuine Draft, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Pilsner Urquell, as well as almost 200 other successful regional and national brands. Outside the U.S., SABMiller is one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of Coca–Cola products.

Contact:

Jiří Mareček
Manager external communication
Tel.: +420 724 617 219
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Plzeň