Grupo Modelo said that beginning in January, Anheuser-Busch will import Modelo's beers into China, the world's largest beer market.

The agreement with Anheuser-Busch for China covers Corona Extra and possibly other Grupo Modelo brands in the future, according to the release. Corona Extra is the No. 1 Mexican beer sold in the world and the most popular imported beer in the U.S., regardless of origin.

"This new partnership ideally complements the international strategy that Modelo has successfully implemented for several decades," said Carlos Fernandez, chairman and CEO of Grupo Modelo, in a statement.

Anheuser-Busch's investments in China include a 27 percent stake in Tsingtao Brewery Co. Ltd., China's largest brewer; the acquisition of Harbin Brewery Group Ltd., the country's fifth-largest brewer; and a 97 percent equity interest in the Budweiser Wuhan International Brewing Co. Ltd. joint venture, which produces Budweiser brand beer.

"The popularity and high quality of Corona Extra makes it an excellent complement to our Budweiser and Harbin beers," said August Busch IV, president and CEO of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., in a statement. "Corona Extra competes in the super-premium segment of the market, which is experiencing strong growth."

In August, Grupo Modelo announced it will begin to distribute the Chinese beer Tsingtao in Mexico by the end of this year.

Source:佚名