Coors adds 5p a pint to Carling & Grolsch
Coors has announced that wholesale prices are to rise at a similar level to 2007 - with 5p on a pint of Carling and Grolsch and 4p on Worthington's.
The rise equates to a 4.5% price increase across the board, exclusive of duty, and will take effect from 11 February.
However, the brewer said: "We will not rule out further increases in 2008 if they become necessary."
Coors pointed to rising input costs and spelt out some of the increases:
•Barley market: 120% price rise
•Malt supply: 100% price rise
•Brewing syrup: 34% price rise in last quarter
•Tin: 150% price rise
•Nickel prices: 275% price rise peak in 2007
•Keg prices: 50% price rise in steel used for kegs
•Bottles: 15%-20% price rise
•Gas & Electricity: almost double
Coors' portfolio activation director David Wigham said: "Over the last year we have had very large rises in costs across our business on fuel, raw materials and overheads all of which have been above the rate of inflation.
"The rise in costs of raw materials, energy and associated production cost increases have been over six per cent (source: Office for National Statistics).
"In particular the whole brewing industry is experiencing the impact of the sizeable changes within the cereal market which have been intensified over the past year.
"However, we understand that the beer market is extremely competitive and has had a tough 2007.
"We have taken a number of actions to try to mitigate these cost increases, our price rise recognises this and also reflects the significant investment we are making in our brands in 2008 and beyond.
"Despite much higher cost increases than those experienced in previous years, we are taking a similar wholesale price increase to that taken in 2007.
"We need to review our prices on a regular basis and will continue to do so, given the high level of cost increases we will not rule out further increases in 2008 if they become necessary. As in previous years we will pass on any government duty changes in full as they arise."
