Molson Coors Brewing Company (NYSE: TAP; TSX: TPX) and Compañía Cervecerías Unidas (CCU) today announced their new partnership to launch two iconic American beers in Chile. Both internationally recognized Coors Light and the brewer’s newest offering, Coors, will be available across the country beginning in early 2015.

“Molson Coors is focused on delighting the world’s beer drinkers and to this end we’re pleased to be partnering with CCU to bring the most refreshing and legendary beers to Chile’s growing premium beer market,” said Kandy Anand, president and chief executive officer of Molson Coors International. “With CCU’s vast knowledge of the market and world class distribution system, we look forward to making Coors Light and Coors household names throughout the country, and spreading the reach of our international brand portfolio.”

The introductions of Coors Light and Coors to the Chilean market are part of a larger brand expansion strategy for Molson Coors Brewing Company. In addition, the launch of these two American imports is a response to the country’s expanding beer industry, which has seen steady growth since 2009. In 2014, sales of Premium International beer brands represented an estimated 19 percent of Chile’s total beer industry (source, Nielsen).

“We are excited to work with Molson Coors to expand CCU’s portfolio and introduce two great, authentic American beers to the Chilean market,” says Hugo Ovando, general manager of CCU’s Beer Division. “The beer industry in Chile has shown impressive growth over the past five years, and we believe our partnership with Molson Coors Brewing Company is well timed to appeal to the growing number of Chilean import beer drinkers. This partnership also further establishes CCU’s reputation as one of the region’s leading beverage distributors, focused on delivering the highest quality products to Chile’s consumers.”

The two beers allow consumers to not only enjoy Molson Coors’ most established global brand, but also a fresh, new brand that is a modern interpretation of the legendary American taste first introduced in 1873. In honor of the Coors brand launches and to celebrate the company’s new partnership with CCU, Pete Coors, great-grandson of brewery founder Adolph Coors and chairman of Molson Coors Brewing Company, will be visiting Chile this week.

Coors Light was born in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and is brewed at 1 degree Celsius to make a crisp, cold and refreshing lager. Known as The World’s Most Refreshing Beer, Coors Light is currently enjoyed in close to 50 countries around the world, making it one of the top five fastest growing global beer brands.

Boasting malty and fruity notes, Coors distinguishes itself with the highest-quality ingredients and a longer aging process. The well-balanced beer is a new take on the legendary Coors-style lager that Adolph Coors first brewed 140 years ago. Its great taste pays homage to the tradition and heritage of the Coors name, highlighting the same passion for quality and authenticity of the original brew.

Through CCU’s distribution, the brands will be available at supermarkets, convenience stores and on premise accounts throughout the country. Both Coors Light and Coors will be available in 12-ounce bottles (as well as 12-ounce cans for Coors Light) that feature cold-activated mountain labels showing when the beer is at a perfect temperature to enjoy. Coors Light and Coors will be available for purchase on January 12, 2015.

About Molson Coors Brewing Company

Molson Coors Brewing Company is a leading global brewer delivering extraordinary brands that delight the world's beer drinkers. It brews, markets and sells a portfolio of leading premium brands such as Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Carling, Staropramen and Blue Moon across The Americas, Europe and Asia. It operates in Canada through Molson Coors Canada; in the US through MillerCoors; across Europe through Molson Coors Europe; and outside these core markets through Molson Coors International. In 2012 and 2013, the company was listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and named global Beverage Sector Leader. Molson Coors is constantly looking for ways to improve its Beer Print. For more information on Molson Coors Brewing Company visit the company's Web site, http://molsoncoors.com.

About CCU:

CCU originated in Chile in 1850 where it installed its first beer operations. By the end of the nineteenth century, the company consolidated under the name of Compañía Cervecerías Unidas CCU (United Beer Company). CCU is jointly controlled by Quinenco S.A., a Luksic family holding, and HEINEKEN, through Inversiones y Rentas S.A. (60%). CCU employs more than 7,500 people and during 2013, the company produced 21.9 million hectoliters of beverages which were sold throughout a robust distribution network that has over 330 thousand points of sale across 6 countries in South America. The company’s broad portfolio of products and interesting promotional activities is the reason why millions of people enjoy the “world of flavors” experience that CCU offers.

CCU has a tradition of contributing to society beyond generating employment. The Company makes strong contributions to the social development of communities, preservation of natural resources and it respects the environment throughout its operations.

CCU is the leading beverage company in Chile known for its extensive portfolio of beers and non-alcoholic beverages. With over 160 years of experience in the market, the Company has more than 90 brands at the regional, national and international level, all of which are recognized by their quality and high consumer preference. CCU has a direct presence in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay. Additionally, it participates in the pisco and wine industries, and its brands are exported to 80 countries worldwide. In addition to its economic contribution as an employer, CCU has a strong track record of making contributions to society, supporting the social development of the communities, preserving natural resources and respecting the environment.