Sales of beer in Middle and Far East the circumstances, the other brewery is continuing nor mal operations. Middle East Our market position in the Middle East is under pressure owing to the fact that many European competitors are marketing their products at very low prices on account of over-capacity. In areas where alcoholic drinks are not allowed, there are possibilities for selling malt bever ages. In Saudi Arabia the sales of Amstel Brew, a non-alcoholic malt beverage, proceeded successfully. At the end of the year under review an alcohol-free shandy was intro duced under the name of Sisi-Shandy. The course of affairs in Iraq with regard to Amstel Gold beer was so disappointing that we terminated the licence agreement in mid-August 1980. Brewed under the supervision of Heineken (in millions of hectolitres) 1.6 1.8 2.- 2.2 2.4 5 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 Far East The increased purchasing power in Indonesia has led to further growth of the beer market. In addition, our market share rose. The course of affairs in soft drinks was reason able. In the brewery at Jakarta a start will be made on the installation of a filling line for canned beer. The brewery at Medan acquired in the previous financial year was mo dernized; the Bintang brand is now also produced there. The Government is aiming at strengthening local partici pation in management and capital of foreign firms in Indonesia. In this context we are making preparations to place a larger proportion of the capital of the enterprise in that country in Indonesian hands. This will be done by a public issue of shares, for which a listing application will be made to the Jakarta stock exchange. Malayan Breweries saw its sales volumes increase as a result of higher sales in Singapore, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea. In Singapore, however, sharp rises in wage costs could only partly be passed on in the selling price. The market share in Malaysia is suffering from competi tion. In the brewery at Kuala Lumpur the production capacity was expanded, whilst the supporting facilities were adapted. A location is being sought for a second bre wery there. Sales in New Zealand remained unsatisfactory, partly owing to the economic depression facing that country. Sales in New Caledonia continued at a satisfactory level. This country is, however, very dependent on the price trend of nickel on the world market. In the practically stable beer market of Tahiti there was a slight fall in sales of Heineken beer. During the year under review contact was established with the relevant government authorities and the brewing industry in the People's Republic of China in order to examine possibilities of co-operation. 25

Jaarverslagen en Personeelsbladen Heineken

Jaarverslagen | 1980 | | pagina 26