Kozel, the great tasting Czech beer, with the quirky distinctive proposition, is the latest addition to Miller Brands UK portfolio of premium beers.
Bringing a slice of Czech village life to the UK on-trade, the 4% ABV easy-drinking beer has been brewed with the love and care of the villagers of Velké Popovice since 1874.
There are no ifs or butts about it; the most famous resident of Velke Popovice is Jaroslav, the village goat who shares his name with the general manager of the brewery. It’s no coincidence that the word Kozel which when translated means goat in Czech!
Nick Miller, Managing Director of Miller Brands UK said, “The first taste of village life will be available from the end of September with one of our selected strategic partners in the managed on-trade.”
Consumer research carried out over the last year by Miller Brands UK identified that there was a gap in the market for a truly authentic world beer at 4% ABV.
Nick continued, “Looking at the extensive range of beers within the SABMiller portfolio, we identified Kozel which satisfies the demand indicated by 25-40 year old males for an easy-drinking flavoursome beer for mid-week, after work occasions.
“The addition of this beer to MBUK’s portfolio will enable us to offer our customers an authentic world beer that will compliment their existing range of premium products adding value to their business and consumer offer”.
The launch of Kozel will be supported with a dedicated team who will provide support to outlets including: in-bar staff training, provision of premium glassware and visibility items including stand alone fonts and t-bars. A number of consumer sampling events will also take place in outlet to introduce consumers to the brand.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
About Kozel
The original, then state-of-the-art, brewery was founded by the Prague industrialist Frantisek Ringhoffer. He and the first Kozel brewmaster produced their first batch of smooth Kozel in December 1874. Frantisek selected the village for the outstanding properties the water brought to the brewing process. Since just after World War I, the beer has prided itself in its official trademark and has grown to rank among the largest and most popular beers in Bohemia. Velkopopovický Kozel has remained one of the best and most popular Czech beer brands through the 30s and 40s – and even after the company was nationalised in 1945. In the early 90s, the brewery became a private company once more. Since 1999, it has been part of Plzeñsky Prazdroj, a.s., which itself is owned by SABMiller
About Miller Brands
Miller Brands is the UK and Ireland subsidiary of SABMiller, one of the world's largest brewers. Miller Brands has responsibility for the development of SABMiller’s international premium brands across the UK and Ireland; these include Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell and Miller Genuine Draft. Through its consistent pricing and distribution discipline, supplemented by engaging marketing activities, Miller Brands is bringing value back into the beer category. Sales are currently growing in excess of 20% year on year in a declining market and this is increasingly recognised and referenced by retailers. More information can be found at www.millerbrands.co.uk.
About SABMiller
SABMiller is one of the world's largest brewers with brewing interests and distribution agreements across six continents. The group's wide portfolio of brands includes premium international beers such as Grolsch, Miller Genuine Draft, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Pilsner Urquell, as well as market-leading local brands such as Aguila, Castle, Miller Lite, Snow and Tyskie. SABMiller is also one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world.
In the year ended 31 March 2010, the group reported US$2,929 million in adjusted pre-tax profit and group revenue of US$18,020 million. SABMiller is listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.
For more information please contact:
Maureen Heffernan
Leisure PR & Communications
Email: maureenheffernan@leisurepr.co.uk
(M) 07860 529 242
Emma Currin
Leisure PR & Communications
(M) 07753 838 490
Email: emmacurrin@leisurepr.co.uk