A-B brings Estrella Damm to the UK

Anheuser-Busch is hoping to increase its share of the imported beer market by adding Spanish lager Estrella Damm to its range.

The Budweiser brewer has signed an exclusive deal with Barcelona-based Damm, which produces Budweiser in Spain.

The 5.4% abv Estrella Damm will arrive in the UK next month, initially in bottles, although Anheuser-Busch may use it as an opportunity to ramp up its presence on draught.

The beer is Damm's top-selling brand, which

celebrated its 130th anniversary last year.

Over that time, three generations of the family have worked for the company.

Anheuser-Busch's decision to import Estrella Damm follows the roll-out of Chinese lager Harbin which was the company's first foray into imported beers.

The move suggests the brewer has changed its strategy and wants to become less reliant on Budweiser.

Further evidence that attitudes are changing within the company comes from news that it is planning to overhaul Michelob.

In the next few months, the beer will cease to be brewed in the UK and become a genuine imported product made in the US.

The beer will also be given new packaging featuring a striking, tear-drop-shaped bottle.