Beer campaigners have launched a bid to secure the future of Czech lager Budweiser Budvar in the face of a “predatory” takeover from a global brewer.
The Campaign for Real Ale hopes to stop plans by the Czech government to sell off the state-owned Budejovicky brewery that makes Budvar for fear that the brand could disappear as a result.
Citing Anheuser-Busch as the likely purchaser because of the on-going dispute it has over the Budweiser trademark, CAMRA asked visitors to this week’s Great British Beer festival in London to sign a petition against the brewery’s privatisation.
The petition will be presented to ministers from the Czech
government this autumn. Budejovicky brewery spokesman, Denis Cox, said: “The fact that the idea of a sell-off has been mooted is scary. The issue has been around for a while and there are always rumours that the brewery could be sold, but this time it’s serious because the Czech government is having real problems balancing its budget.
“Anecdotally, I have heard that Anheuser-Busch has offered to pay three times more than anyone else because it wants the trademark.”
Mike Benner, head of campaigns and communications at CAMRA, said: “In this day of inferior, bland, contract-brewed lagers, Budweiser Budvar is unique and it is essential that this brewing gem doesn’t fall into the hands of a global predator.
“To Anheuser Busch, the Budweiser tradename is a valuable commodity. Should the company fall into their hands, they may close the brewery, axe the beer and let American Budweiser dominate the world.”
Anheuser-Busch declined to comment.
Rosie Davenport
The Campaign for Real Ale hopes to stop plans by the Czech government to sell off the state-owned Budejovicky brewery that makes Budvar for fear that the brand could disappear as a result.
Citing Anheuser-Busch as the likely purchaser because of the on-going dispute it has over the Budweiser trademark, CAMRA asked visitors to this week’s Great British Beer festival in London to sign a petition against the brewery’s privatisation.
The petition will be presented to ministers from the Czech
government this autumn. Budejovicky brewery spokesman, Denis Cox, said: “The fact that the idea of a sell-off has been mooted is scary. The issue has been around for a while and there are always rumours that the brewery could be sold, but this time it’s serious because the Czech government is having real problems balancing its budget.
“Anecdotally, I have heard that Anheuser-Busch has offered to pay three times more than anyone else because it wants the trademark.”
Mike Benner, head of campaigns and communications at CAMRA, said: “In this day of inferior, bland, contract-brewed lagers, Budweiser Budvar is unique and it is essential that this brewing gem doesn’t fall into the hands of a global predator.
“To Anheuser Busch, the Budweiser tradename is a valuable commodity. Should the company fall into their hands, they may close the brewery, axe the beer and let American Budweiser dominate the world.”
Anheuser-Busch declined to comment.
Rosie Davenport
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