Liquor ad ban could hurt new brands
Decline in overall sales would cut government revenue
Megabrewer Anheuser-Busch InBev has the benefit of scale and a portfolio of some of the most recognised beer brands on its side, but it is anticipating some impact when the government's proposed ban on liquor advertising takes flight. AB InBev holds almost 30% of the global beer market and 62.7% of the South African market, with brands that include Stella Artois, Peroni, Corona and Castle Lager in its portfolio. Newer brands, such as alcohol-free lager Castle Free and craft beer Flying Fish, are on the rise. But AB InBev Africa and SAB Zone president Ricardo Tadeu said on the sidelines of the 2017 results presentation on Thursday he expected tardy sales if a bill to ban liquor advertisements were implemented. "[Sales] might be slower, it might be more difficult."AB InBev planned to sell packs of nine beers that consisted of Castle lagers and three Castle Frees to drive greater acceptance of the product. "If there's an advertisement ban I believe that what's going to happen is more i...
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