In several of the areas where we are established, Western enterprises are compelled to place part of their share capital with local investors. On the African market Heineken and Amstel have for many years been prominent beer brands. In some countries our beers are produced locally. To most of the others they are exported. After a decline in previous years, mainly as a result of import restrictions, our exports have this year shown an upward trend. Nigeria The rapid development of oil exports is having a marked positive effect on this country's balance of payments. Arrears of dividends are gradually being remitted. The demand for beer in Nigeria is still larger than the production, and the capacity of our three breweries is accordingly being expanded. Ghana Owing to import restrictions and the particularly favourable development of Ghana's pattern of exports the country's balance of payments has considerably improved. Negotiations are still proceeding on a settlement for the old debts between the State and the creditor countries. Despite a temporary hold-up as a result of lack of raw materials, owing to insufficient allocations of foreign exchange, the course of affairs in Kumasi Brewery Ltd. is satisfactory. Sierra Leone Sierra Leone Brewery Ltd., established at Freetown, is in a phase of gradual growth. Chad The course of affairs in Brasserie du Logone S.A., of Moundou, was satisfactory. Zaire Once again this year the five breweries which form part of the group Brasseries, Limonaderies et Malteries du Zaïre 'Bralima' S.A.R.L. have shown a vigorous growth. The volume of sales as well as the market share have been increased. Sales by the new brewery at Mbandaka are proceeding beyond expectation. Owing to the sharp rise in production costs, which it has not been possible to offset by higher prices since 1967, the profitability has decreased. Since the financing of the plans for expansion creates problems under these circumstances, the projected extensions, which particularly relate to the big brewery at Kinshasa, have been consider ably restricted. 17

Jaarverslagen en Personeelsbladen Heineken

Jaarverslagen | 1972 | | pagina 18