Heineken to brew Kingfisher beer as part of new UK agreement

The new agreement will also see Heineken handle sales and distribution of the brand to selected national off-trade retail customers.

Kingfisher will continue to take responsibility for overall brand strategy, marketing, promotion and support for its own directly supplied trade customers in the UK.

The new arrangements will come into effect in October 2013, at the conclusion of Kingfisher's current UK agreement with Shepherd Neame.

Stefan Orlowski, UK managing director of Heineken, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important agreement with KBE, allowing them to focus on the development of Kingfisher Beer in the UK whilst drawing on our well established brewing, sales and distribution capability in the UK.

"It will enable us to expand our range of premium world beers that we can offer through our modern retail customers and Star Pub & Bars estate and add further diversity and interest to the beer category.”

Both parties said they are contacting their respective customers over the coming days to brief them on the new arrangements.