Miller Beer withdrawn from UK

Miller Beer will be withdrawn from sale in the UK from early 2009.

Scottish and Newcastle (S&N) has reached agreement with Miller Brands UK to end the contract to brew, market and distribute Miller Beer. S&N brewed the brand, a 4.2 per cent ABV lager, under licence from its American owner Miller Brewing Company.

The decision not to renew the contract when the present one expires in December was made following a joint review with Miller Brands UK. A statement said the review concluded "it no longer has a viable long-term role to play in either company's beer portfolio".

Miller Beer was first launched in the UK in the late 1980s as Miller Lite, relaunched as Miller Pilsner in the early 1990s, and simply as Miller Beer in the late 1990s. Its axing follows double digit declines in recent years, although it retained favour in some pockets, notably Scotland and South Wales.

Miller Brands UK managing director Nick Miller stressed that the company's sales and marketing support for 4.7 per cent bottled product Miller Genuine Draft would be unaffected by the announcement.