Edeka supermarkets to reduce stocks of 80 beer brands

The German supermarket chain has announced that it will reduce orders of around 80 brands of beer amid a dispute with a drinks distribution company.

Edeka in price dispute with AB InBev

Edeka, the largest supermarket chain in Germany, has reduced orders of around 80 beer brands sold at its stores, according to a report from the dpa. 

The decision is due to an ongoing disagreement between Edeka and the international drinks and brewing company from Belgium, AB InBev. While AB InBev wants to increase prices by up to 20 cents per bottle, Edeka says that there is no production cost justification for such increases.

"These cost increases are not reflected in actual production costs – it is pure speculation. In the interests of our customers, we cannot accept this excessive price increase," Edeka said, according to manager magazin.

Which beers will be in lower stock at Edeka?

Popular brands supplied to Edeka by AB InBev include Beck's, Franziskaner, Corona, Löwenbräu, San Miguel, Spaten, Hasseröder, Leffe, and more. But customers should still be able to find what they are looking for.

"We have enough stocks in storage. Customers will still be able to find the brands in our shops," a Edeka spokesperson told ntv. The supermarket is continuing negotiations with AB InBev and said it hopes to come to an agreement on fair pricing.

Update: A previous version of this article claimed that Edeka wants to raise beer prices in stores, rather than that AB InBev plans to raise wholesale prices.  A correction was also made to clarify that Edeka will continue to sell limited stocks.