Anheuser-Busch appoints Jebsen as new distributor

MANILA, Philippines - Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world’s largest brewer, has cited business growth in its decision to leave behind more than 15 years of distribution partnership with San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) international unit.

Karen Couck, Anheuser-Busch director for global external communications, told The STAR that the company has decided to tap an exclusive distributor for its beer brands, ending the long time distribution partnership with the Hong Kong brewery unit of diversified conglomerate SMC.

Couck said Anheuser-Busch has selected as its exclusive distributor Jebsen Beverage Co Ltd, a Hong Kong-based distribution and marketing company that distributes imported premium brands of beer in the Greater China region.

 “To better support our growth plans, we have appointed Jebsen Beverage Co Ltd as exclusive distributor to distribute our beers in the Hong Kong and Macau markets. We previously had different distributors for Corona, Budweiser and other AB InBev brands,” Couck said.

San Miguel Brewery Hong Kong Ltd. (SMBHK) received on September 26 letters from Anheuser-Busch InBev China Sales Co. Ltd. and Anheuser-Busch InBev International GmbH & Co KG regarding the companies’ decision not to renew their distribution agreements with SMBHK.

With the termination of the distribution agreements, SMBHK will no longer be able to distribute Anheuser-Busch products under the brand names of “Budweiser” and “Harbin” after November 17 and “Beck’s”, “Boddingtons”, “Hoegaarden”, “Leffe”, “Lowenbrau” and “Stella Artois” after December 31 this year.

SMBHK said it would continue to launch new San Miguel products and strengthen its own beer brands while also continuing talks with other imported international premium/craft brands for the distribution of their products.