Molson Coors to open sales office in Northern Ireland

Molson Coors has announced plans to create a sales and marketing operation in Northern Ireland.

The brewer is to open an office in South Belfast and create up to 14 jobs in what it describes as a "multi-million pound investment".

From March 15 the sales and distribution of Molson Coors' key brands will be handled directly by the company.

Niall McMullan, Head of Sales (NI) for Molson Coors, said the move was "a very exciting new era for Molson Coors in Northern Ireland".

"The past year has been hugely successful for our flagship brands Coors Light, and Carling which has exceeded all initial sales targets, supported by major sponsorships such as the Carling Premiership with the Irish Football Association.

"The growth of these brands has now taken us to the stage where we feel a hands-on approach is required and we really look forward to working directly with the drinks trade in Northern Ireland and investing more to support our brands in what has become a very important market to us."

News of the Belfast operation comes three months after Molson Coors opened a dedicated office in Dublin.