InBev raises prices by 3 percent 01/11/2007 00:00

1 November 2007

LEUVEN – Beer brewer InBev will be raising the prices of its products by an average of 3 percent as of 1 February 2008. The reason is the "structural increase" in prices of raw materials, InBev reports.

The price increase will apply to barrels, kegs and cans. Only Hoegaarden white beer will not be affected.

"The price increase of the raw materials is a phenomenon that the entire food industry is dealing with," the press release reads. Packaging prices too, primarily for aluminium and glass, are rising because of higher energy prices. "That is why InBev is following the reality of the market and is pushing through a price increase just to cover the rising costs," the company says.

A spokesperson for the company says that there will be no significant difference in the price increase for barrels (for the catering industry) and bottles and cans (for home consumption). The increase will vary per product. Jupiler in a bottle or can will be 3.5 percent more expensive, for example, while the price of Hoegaarden will not change.

How much more consumers will have to pay in the supermarket or bar still depends on the shop and bar owners. "We have no influence on the profit margin they take," says the InBev spokesperson.

[Copyright Expatica News 2007]

Subject: Belgian news