^6^
J
ASIA/AUSTRALASIA
Beer sales Asia/Australasia
n millions of hectolitres
1.8
1.5
1.8
1.2
0.9
0.6
0.3
0
72/73
73/74
74/75
75/76
76/77
Production and marketing were stepped up by Nova Empresa de Cervejas de
Angola 'Nocal' S.A.R.L., of Luanda, Angola.
Sales as well as earnings were slightly higher than in the previous year, but
further developments must be awaited with regard to the possession of the
participation.
During the year under review sales of Amstel beer brewed by Brasserie Mal-
terie Almaza S.A.L., Lebanon, were still under pressure as a result of the tense
political situation in that country.
This was also the case with regard to the beer produced by this brewery under
its own brand.
Earnings were below the level of the previous year.
Sales of Amstel beer brewed by Jordan Brewery Ltd., Jordan, showed a
continuing rise.
During the period under review an extension of the capacity of various produc
tion departments was taken into use.
It was thus possible to cope properly with the increased demand.
Financing charges have had a negative effect on the operating results.
In the meantime interest-bearing debts have been converted into shareholders'
equity.
As a result of increased competition, sales of Amstel Gold beer brewed under
licence by Eastern Brewery Company S.A. in Iraq remained below the level
of the previous year.
Although selling prices were increased not inconsiderably, sales by
P.T. Perusahaan Bir Indonesia in Indonesia were maintained at the level of the
previous financial year.
The contribution to Group trading profit was virtually the same as in the previous
year.
Sales of locally brewed Heineken beer were below expectations.
In the past year, too, it proved impossible to raise the selling prices of the soft
drinks made by P.T. Perusahaan Limun Indonesia to the required level.
The earnings were consequently again disappointing.
In Singapore the revival of business activity which occurred in 1976 has con
tinued. Favourable economic factors stimulated production, entrepot trade,
exports and tourism. Sales by the two breweries in Singapore belonging to the
Malayan Breweries Ltd. group were maintained at the previous year's level.
There was a considerable rise in exports of Heineken beer brewed in Singapore
and destined for markets in the Middle East.
The investment climate in Malaysia has, as expected, substantially improved.
Sales by the brewery at Kuala Lumpur which forms part of the Malayan Breweries
group increased.
There was a not inconsiderable rise in sales of beer brewed in Papua New
Guinea by South Pacific Brewery Ltd., also a subsidiary of Malayan Breweries
Ltd.
The earnings of this brewery showed a very satisfactory trend.
Sales by Leopard Brewery Ltd., established in New Zealand, in which brewery
Malayan Breweries Ltd. has an interest, were not entirely maintained at the
level of the previous year. The profit remained unchanged.
The earnings of Malayan Breweries Ltd., including the consolidated enterprises'
were very satisfactory.
27