Budweiser Budvar UK has announced record sales growth in the UK in 2021.

The national brewery of the Czech Republic saw a total volume increase of 38% across the UK off- and on-trade. Total volumes were 80,000hl, equivalent to 16 million 500ml bottles of Budvar.

According to IRI data, Budvar was the number-one stocked Czech beer brand in convenience, as well as the third-fastest growing world lager in supermarkets.

The brand also attributed its marketing campaign as the ‘Republic of Beer’ as a key sales driver.

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Rich Sanna, multiple grocer channel controller for Budweiser Budvar UK, said: “We were well positioned to meet the increase in off-trade demand in 2020 when the Covid lockdown shifted sales to supermarkets and convenience stores. This gave us category growth in a market where some leading brands struggled to meet demand.

“Our continued growth in the retail channel in 2021 was driven by increased rate of sale, incremental distribution in existing stockists, and new listings. We also continued to see the benefits of the Republic of Beer marketing, which has helped consumers understand the unique position of Budweiser Budvar as a beer from a nation, not a corporation.”

Jitka Vlčková, managing director of Budweiser Budvar UK, added: “For an ever-increasing number of craft beer drinkers, Budweiser Budvar is the first choice when it comes to full flavoured, authentically lagered Czech beer. Our increased UK distribution means we’re reaching more consumers than ever.”      

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