Anheuser-Busch InBev is to take over the production, distribution and promotion of San Miguel beers in the UK from Carlsberg.

The Belgian brewing giant's contract with Mahou San Miguel starts on 1 January.

Carlsberg has held the UK licence for the production, distribution and marketing of San Miguel since 2008.

Carlsberg, which has operated in the UK as Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company since 2020, will see its license terminated on 31 December. It intends to continue producing, distributing and selling San Miguel in the UK "as normal until this time".

Commenting on the news, CMBC's CEO, Paul Davies said: “Naturally, we are disappointed by the decision, and are working to mitigate the impact on our business.

“We are incredibly proud of our many achievements over more than 15 years with [Mahou San Miguel] massively driving distribution and significantly growing San Miguel brand volume.”

From next year, AB InBev will pick up the brewing, distribution and promotion rights for the San Miguel brand, which includes the beers San Miguel Especial, San Miguel 0.0% and San Miguel Gluten Free.

The deal brings two Mahou San Miguel beer names together under AB InBev's UK roof, following the Budweiser brewer's takeover of UK sales, marketing and distribution for Mahou Cinco Estrellas in 2021.

In a statement, Alberto Rodríguez-Toquero, managing director of Mahou San Miguel said the move would help to get its beers "to a larger number of UK consumers.

“This agreement further extends the relationship between our two companies, the UK is an important market for San Miguel and we are confident that Budweiser Brewing Group will succeed in fulfilling our ambitious plans for the brand.”

Jason Warner, the CEO for AB InBev's European arm, added: “We are delighted to bring San Miguel into our portfolio of brands. Our customers can now look forward to experiencing the exceptional quality that both Mahou San Miguel and Budweiser Brewing Group are known for”.