Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, Malta’s leading brewer, wrote another important page in their success story when they started packaging Budweiser, the world-renowned beer, in their Mriehel Brewery under a special packaging agreement with Anheuser-Busch.

This was announced by Mr Louis A Farrugia, Farsons Group Chief Executive, during the press briefing held today (16 March 2004) at the Brewery.

“Anheuser-Busch entrusted Farsons with the bottling of Budweiser in Malta following extensive technical audits. This means that the bottling process will be done here in Malta following a plant development investment of more than Lm1 million.  This is yet another significant milestone for our Group,” said Mr. Farrugia. 

Budweiser is a crisp, clean, refreshing premium lager brewed using only the finest all-natural ingredients and time-honored methods passed down through five generations of the Busch family.  Budweiser has been brewed since 1876 using an exclusive beechwood aging process, which naturally carbonates the beer.

“This agreement with the Farsons Group to bottle Budweiser is an important milestone for the brand in Malta,” said Andrew J. Day, vice president and managing director, Anheuser-Busch Europe Ltd. “The Farsons Group have been importing and distributing packaged Budweiser in Malta for years, and they share Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to quality in everything they do. We’re excited about this new agreement, and we look forward to working with Farsons to continue to grow Budweiser in Malta.”

Anheuser-Busch’s quality control ensures that the distinctive Budweiser taste is the same wherever it is brewed around the world. The Budweiser that is being packaged in Malta is brewed at Anheuser-Busch’s Stag Brewery in Mortlake, London. Budweiser is transported to Malta in special temperature-controlled tankers that ensure the beer’s freshness. Upon arrival at the Mriehel Brewery, the beer is transferred into the Farsons Beer Storage Tanks prior to bottling.

In Malta, Budweiser is available in 25cl bottles and 33cl cans and is priced as an imported premium lager. Budweiser in cans will continue to be imported.

“Budweiser is an internationally renowned beer, known around the world for its high quality and distinctive, clean, crisp taste,” said Mr. Anthony J. Tabone, Wands Managing Director. “It is one of the leading imported beer brands in Malta and is available in high-end bars, restaurants, hotels and stores. Wands Limited will remain responsible for the marketing of Budweiser in Malta, including innovative and creative commercials, top-quality point-of-sale items and on-premise music and sports activities,” explained Mr. Tabone.  

Anheuser-Busch is based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA.  Its Budweiser brand is brewed in 12 U.S. breweries and nine countries and sold throughout the world.  Anheuser-Busch holds a leading world market share of 11 percent, including Anheuser-Busch’s proportional share of its international equity partners’ brands.

Anheuser-Busch reported worldwide beer volume of 111 million barrels in 2003, up 1.2 percent for the year. Pro-rated volume of its partners’ brands was 18.8 million barrels, giving Anheuser-Busch a combined volume of 129.8 million barrels in 2003.

Simonds Farsons Cisk plc, which has just celebrated its 75 Years of brewing experience in Malta is synonymous with leadership in industry and enterprise. It also produces a wide portfolio of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.