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Following reports in some UK national newspapers, InBev has released a statement denying that it will launch a stronger version of its popular Stella Artois lager.

The alleged "Stella Black" was reported to offer a 5.5% alcohol level (the normal level for Stella Artois is 5.2%).

A spokesperson for InBev said the following: "InBev UK is constantly looking at a number of product innovations. However, InBev UK categorically denies it is launching any variants of Stella Artois at a higher ABV than currently available."

The company did, however, launch a lower strength version of Stella Artois earlier this year, with an alcohol level of just 4%. A marketing campaign for this lighter variant will launch in November 2008.