BREWING firm AB InBev, which owns a large site in Magor, recorded double-digit growth in the UK last year, the latest figures show.

The firm said sports events including the football World Cup contributed to higher sales – its Budweiser product was the most 'talked-about' brand on social media during the tournament.

Paula Lindenberg, President, AB InBev UK & Ireland, said: “Our UK business achieved double-digit top line growth in 2018, with strong performances from our global brands, craft portfolio and Bud Light.

“The UK’s number-one selling alcohol brand, Stella Artois, was the fastest growing beer brand in retail last year... as it continued its partnership with iconic sporting events like Wimbledon and unveiled its new Joie de Bière advertising campaign. We also introduced a new gluten-free variant."

Ms Lindenberg said the firm had been unaffected by the carbon dioxide shortage which affected beer production and supply during the World Cup, thanks to the CO2 recovery systems at the Magor brewery.