Foster’s Group to distribute Scottish & Newcastle

17 January 2005
News release

Foster’s Group New Zealand to distribute Scottish & Newcastle beer brands

Scottish & Newcastle (S&N), the brewers of Kronenbourg 1664, Newcastle Brown Ale, John Smith’s and Beamish Irish Stout, are delighted to announce the transfer of the distribution of their beer brands to Foster’s Group New Zealand from Federal Geo Ltd, effective 1st April, 2004.

S&N Asia’s Regional Development Manager for Asia Pacific, Mr Alex Hughes, expressed his thanks to the team at Federal Geo for their dedication to and support of the S&N brand portfolio during the two year period they distributed the brands.

Mr Hughes said though that strong working relationships with Foster’s Group globally meant S&N considered it appropriate that the Kronenbourg 1664, Newcastle Brown Ale, John Smith’s and Beamish Irish Stout brands should now be distributed by Foster’s Group NZ.

S&N Asia’s Business Development Director Mr Patric Dougan agreed with Mr Hughes’ sentiments, outlining how the move follows the recent completion of an agreement confirming Carlton & United Beverages (a subsidiary of Foster’s Group) as distributors of Kronenbourg 1664 & Newcastle Brown Ale in Australia.

Mr Dougan said he was confident that Foster’s Group NZ’s long standing reputation for the successful distribution and sale of premium brands would assist S&N to build the equity of their global brand portfolio in New Zealand, as well as further strengthening S&N’s relationship with the Foster’s Group.

“S&N’s brands have been successful since they first began being listed in New Zealand. We are confident that Foster’s Group New Zealand will build on the platform that Federal Geo has created over the past two years, driving the brands’ long term growth and capturing a greater share of the expanding New Zealand premium imported market”.

Foster’s Group NZ’s Vice President, Mr Andrew Bonner, shared S&N’s enthusiasm for the move.

“We are obviously delighted that Foster’s Group NZ has been given the custodianship of this world class stable of brands. S&N are our partners in the UK where we have worked together for many years to grow the brands to the dominant position they are in today in that market. I’m sure we will be able to emulate that success here in New Zealand in our premium import market. The entire Foster’s Group NZ team is excited about the opportunities these brands present.”

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