Guinness & Kilkenny Leaving Foster’s For Lion

No it’s not our Lion, but it is an interesting story from SMH Australia:

Yesterday's announcement of the departure of Guinness and Kilkenny marks the fifth and sixth imported beer brands to leave the Foster's portfolio, although unlike the loss of Corona, Foster's only manufactured Guinness and Kilkenny and did not handle the beers' distribution, marketing or sales.

Some brewers have become uncomfortable with their labels being distributed by SABMiller in Australia and have chosen new partners such as Lion or Coopers. Foster's has also lost its Stella Artois brand to Lion.

Under a new, expanded deal, from November 1 Lion will look after the local brewing of Guinness Draught, Kilkenny Draught and Extra Stout, as well as distribution, sales and marketing. It is believed the expanded deal, taking in sales and marketing, will allow brand owner Diageo to focus on its spirits and RTD drinks portfolios.

The new agreement extends Diageo's partnership with Kirin in the Asia-Pacific region. Kirin, a Japanese conglomerate, is Diageo's distribution partner in Japan. Lion manufactures and distributes Guinness and Kilkenny in New Zealand through an existing relationship with Diageo.

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