Foster’s Group Limited (Foster’s) will move to direct sales, marketing and distribution of its leading wine portfolio in the key Nordic markets of Norway, Sweden and Finland, from early 2009.

Foster’s new sales, marketing and distribution business will be a top three supplier of wine in each market and build on the current strength of brands including Beringer, Lindemans, Penfolds, Rosemount and Wolf Blass.

“We have an outstanding wine portfolio in these key Nordic markets and our shift to greater direct control of sales and distribution will build a platform for continued success”, said Richard Trimby, Foster’s Commercial Director for Continental Europe.

Foster’s portfolio was previously distributed in the Nordic region by V&S Group (V&S), recently acquired by global drinks producer Pernod Ricard.

“While we have worked successfully with V&S, we feel the time is now right to drive the next phase of growth through the establishment of a dedicated regional sales organisation”, Richard said.

Foster’s Nordic business will be headed by existing General Manager, Jonas Hillergren and work is already underway to expand the in-market sales & marketing team. Transfer to the new organisation should be complete by early May 2009.

Further information:

Media                                                          Investors

Troy Hey                                                     Chris Knorr
Tel: +61 3 9633 2085                               Tel: +61 3 9633 2685
Mob: +61 409 709 126                            Mob: +61 417 033 623

Richard Trimby

Foster’s Commercial Director - Continental Europe
richard.trimby@emea.fostersgroup.com

Additional Information

Foster’s Group Limited

Foster’s is a leading global drinks company, with a portfolio of wine, beer, spirits, ready-to-drinks, ciders and non-alcohol brands. Based in Melbourne, Australia and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, Foster’s is a global leader in premium wine, and has Australia’s leading portfolio of alcohol brands. Foster’s brand portfolio includes leading global wine brands Beringer, Lindemans, Penfolds, Rosemount and Wolf Blass and Australia’s leading alcohol portfolio including: Crown Lager, Victoria Bitter, Foster’s, Cougar, and Strongbow.

Foster’s in the Nordics

The Nordics are a key growth region for Foster’s wine business, with annual sales in Finland, Norway and Sweden (off-trade) of approximately 1.7m 9L equivalent cases. Foster’s has the leading Australian wine portfolio in the region with Lindemans the No.1 Australian brand in the Nordics and Penfolds the No. 1 premium New World brand in Sweden. (Source Monopoly depletions MAT Oct 2008)

Total wine consumption in Finland, Norway and Sweden is approximately 33m 9L equivalent cases with Australian wine representing approximately 14% of the total category. Over 90% of wine volumes sold in the region occur via retail government monopolies. The markets are highly regulated with strict marketing restrictions – such as no price / in-store activities. The remainder of the market is the highly fragmented on-trade. Foster’s has already moved to direct sales and distribution within the less regulated Danish market.

Wine market size (Off-trade)

Market	Wine sales (9l equivalent cases)	Growth1
Norway	6.5 million	3.8%
Finland	5.1 million	3.3%
Sweden	17.8 million	5.0%

1 Monopoly depletions, Moving Annual Total, year to October 2008