SABMiller as part of its interim results announces today that Miller Brands continues to deliver outstanding growth in a marketplace which saw premium lager decline by 3% over the same period.(i)

According to AC Nielsen, in the six months 30 September 2009, Miller Brands grew its value share of UK premium lager to 6%, a growth of 16%.(ii)

Peroni Nastro Azzurro delivered 35% year on year volume growth - the equivalent of an additional 23 million bottles. Pilsner Urquell has grown volumes by 26%. This contrasts with overall UK lager market volumes which declined 7% over the same period.

Nick Miller, MD of Miller Brands, says: "Our success is due in no small part to the integrity and desirability of our brands and we are determined that we won't sacrifice this for the sake of incremental volumes. We will continue to build and nurture differentiated brands that deliver a top quality drinking experience for our consumers and margin opportunities for our customers."

Miller Brands is currently undertaking a detailed evaluation of the opportunity to expand its range of UK brands through the introduction of another brand to the market from the SABMiller portfolio of 200 brands worldwide.

Nick Miller continues "We are currently conducting detailed research with retailers and consumers to understand where there are needs that could be fulfilled by a brand from an SABMiller market elsewhere in the world. We haven't reached a decision yet on what that brand will be, but we have an incredibly exciting and extensive range to choose from."

(i) AC Nielsen On & Off Trade data April 09 to Sept 09 versus April 08 to Sept 08.
(ii) Miller Brands UK internal data

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Notes to editors:

SABMiller

SABMiller plc 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 2009, the group reported US$3,405 million adjusted pre-tax profit and group revenue of US$25,302 million. SABMiller plc is listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.

Miller Brands

Miller Brands UK was launched in 2005 and is a subsidiary of SABMiller, one of the world's largest brewers. Miller Brands UK has assumed responsibility for the development of all SABMiller's international premium brands across the UK; 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 UK 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 recognized and referenced by retailers.

Enquiries
Bianca Shevlin
Corporate Media Relations Manager
SABMiller plc
Tel: +44 20 7659 0172