SABMiller files plea against AP procurement body to sell beer

Brewing major SABMiller today said it has moved the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking its intervention on state beverage corporation's decision not to procure to company's beer.      

The company alleged Andhra Pradesh Beverage Corporation (APBCL), the sole body through which liquor is sold in the state, has stopped procurement of beer from SABMiller and UB Group from March 31, 2009 following a dispute between the companies and the state body over increasing the beer prices.      

"The company has filed an application with Andhra Pradesh High Court on April 21, 2009, seeking its intervention in the matter," SABMiller spokesperson told PTI.      

When contacted UB Group officials declined to comment on the issue, saying that the matter is subjudice.      

Last October, UB Group and SABMiller jointly filed a case in the high court seeking a upward revision of procurement prices of beer by APBCL. 

The state corporation has not revised the procurement price of beer in more than a decade, despite 300-400 per cent rise in costs and a significant increase in the retail prices, SABMiller said      

SABMiller spokesperson said that softening its stand later the company agreed to supply beer to APBCL at the prevailing prices but it has not received any order till now.