Anheuser-Busch InBev will rename its UK business ‘Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I’ as part of its continued transformation, following its merger with SABMiller and subsequent divestment of brands such as Meantime and Grolsch.
On top of the name change, the company will open a new London headquarters and renew several CSR ambitions – including a target to become “the UK’s most sustainable brewer” as it works towards brewing with renewable electricity and locally sourced barley.
Anheuser-Busch, the world’s largest beer maker, said the move would introduce “a more recognisable name that drives awareness of the group and brings people together”. The Budweiser brand was selected because it is “the brewer’s most famous global brand”.
The group will continue to make products for its UK consumers at three sites – one at Magor in south Wales (pictured), and two more in Lancashire and north London.
Budweiser Brewing Group’s new president, Paula Lindenberg, said: “We are a fast-paced, ambitious group that dreams big, and we have exciting plans ahead for the UK and Ireland. Through the power and recognition of the Budweiser brand, we want to open ourselves up to working with more partners to achieve our ambitions.
“We are looking forward to making a big impact in the year ahead, working towards brewing our beers with 100% renewable electricity and accelerating our progress towards 20% of our global products being no or low alcohol.”
The move to ensure its barley and electricity are both sourced from within the UK could be interpreted as a last-minute attempt to protect its UK business from the effects of Brexit.
With less than three weeks to go and still no certainty of a deal between London and Brussels, the prospect of a no-deal departure has never been higher; for companies with large operations in the UK, like AB InBev, reducing its dependency on European ingredients and supply chains – for the short term, at least – seems like a sensible measure.
The company, which had already announced its intention to make its beer in the UK using renewable energy, has a broad portfolio of brands in the UK including Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Bass and Boddington’s.
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