4 March 2020 – Diageo Ireland and Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, a proud part of AB InBev, have enjoyed a fruitful and effective relationship in Ireland for many years during which time Diageo Ireland has brewed, marketed and distributed some of Budweiser Brewing Group’s beers, including Budweiser and Bud Light, on the island of Ireland.

Together the two companies have grown Budweiser into one of Ireland’s leading beer brands and have built the foundations for future success.

Over time the respective business priorities of Diageo Ireland and Budweiser Brewing Group have evolved and together we have made a mutual decision to end the relationship in Ireland when the current contract concludes on 30 June 2020.

From 1 July, the sale and distribution of Budweiser Brewing Group’s beers will move to C&C Group and until then, it is business as usual with Diageo Ireland continuing to brew, market and sell Budweiser and Bud Light in Ireland.

Speaking about the decision, Diageo Ireland Country Director Oliver Loomes 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. We will of course continue to brew, market and distribute Budweiser until the end of June and wish the team at Budweiser Brewing Group the very best in the future as they forge ahead with their plans.”

Paula Lindenberg, President, Budweiser Brewing Group said: “We are proud of all that we have achieved together with Diageo and are looking forward to an exciting next chapter with C&C. 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.”

ENDS

For further information contact:

Shane Finnegan at Aiken PR on shane@aikenpr.com or 07764534565

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Diageo Ireland

Our success is built on a rich Irish heritage. From the founding of the Guinness brewery in 1759 to the creation of Baileys four decades ago, our beer, liqueur and spirits brands are made with the finest ingredients and represent the best Ireland has to offer.

About Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I

Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I is the trading name of AB InBev UK Limited, a subsidiary of Anheuser–Busch InBev, a publicly traded company (Euronext: ABI) based in Leuven, Belgium, with secondary listings on the Mexico (MEXBOL: ABI) and South Africa (JSE: ANB) stock exchanges and with American Depositary Receipts on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUD). Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I remains a proud part of AB InBev globally. In the UK, Budweiser Brewing Group employs 1,000 people in our three breweries in Magor, South Wales, Samlesbury, Lancashire and Enfield, North London and in our local headquarters in Central London. 

We are committed to building great brands that stand the test of time and to brewing the best beers using the finest natural ingredients. We are proud to offer the UK’s leading premium beer and cider brands, including global brands Budweiser®, Corona® and Stella Artois®; international brands Bud Light®, Michelob Ultra®, Beck’s®, Leffe®, and Hoegaarden®; and local champions Bass® and Boddingtons®.

Our Dream is to bring people together for a better world. Learn more at: www.budweiserbrewinggroup.co.uk or on Twitter through @BudBrewingUKI

For more information about Anheuser–Busch InBev, please visit www.ABInBev.com.