Lion adds Aussie classics to portfolio

Rory Glass, Lion managing director and Ricardo Vasques, AB Inbev business unit president South East Asia & NZ. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand's largest beverage brewer Lion has added a number of new Australian beer and cider brands to its portfolio.

The Australasian-based company on Friday said it will undertake the exclusive distribution in New Zealand of AB Inbev's Pure Blonde, Fosters, Victoria Bitter, and Crown Lager beers and Scrumpy, Harvest, Bulmers, and Thomas & Rose ciders.

Lion's Managing Director Rory Glass said the addition of the AB Inbev brands will increase Lion's share of the beer category in New Zealand by 2 per cent and of the cider category by almost 20 per cent.

"This is a significant addition to our portfolio. These iconic brands will complement the existing Lion beer and cider range and extend Lion NZ's strategic partnership with AB Inbev."

AB Inbev's Commercial Director for New Zealand & Pacific Richard Goatcher said the deal would be good for the development of both companies.

"We are delighted to have entered into this arrangement with Lion NZ and look forward to continued growth of our brands in New Zealand".

The new distribution arrangement launches on 25 August 2017.