Africa
The beer activities on the African continent relate to
both local production under our supervision and
imports. The enterprise has interests in breweries in
Zaire, the People's Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burun
di, Cameroon, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Chad and
Angola, as well as in Réunion.
In several countries production also takes place under
licence. In addition to beer, the companies in Zaire,
Rwanda and Burundi also produce soft drinks. In
Nigeria, Green Sands shandy is produced under li
cence.
In Zaire we have an interest in a bottle factory.
With regard to 1985 there was generally speaking a good
development, though owing to lack of raw materials the
turnover in Nigeria - our principal beer market in Africa -
declined sharply.
Much attention was paid to maintaining and improving the
quality of the products; in this connection the quality of
locally produced raw materials received particular atten
tion.
The training possibilities for the brewery personnel were
also extended. In addition to the large training school of
Nigerian Breweries there is now also such a school in Zaire.
At this school employees from all the Francophone coun
tries of Africa will in the near future be able to receive
instruction both in brewing techniques and in the admin
istrative and commercial field.
Beer imports are still inhibited in many countries by credit
risks and shortage of foreign currency. The decline in our
exports to this region was halted by extension of the
product range and the development of a number of new
markets.
The interest in Brasseries, Limonaderies et Malteries du
Zaïre 'Bralima' S.A.R.L. in Zaire was increased in 1985 to
69.6% by conversion of existing debts. The recovery in this
enterprise continued. Sales and earnings rose. In the
meantime major extensions of capacity are taking place in
this group's five breweries, the emphasis being on the
establishment at Kinshasa.
The earnings of the bottle factory, Bouteillerie de Kinshasa
'Boukin' S.A.R.L.. also developed satisfactorily.
In the People's Republic of Congothe capacity of Brasserie
de Brazzaville S.A. was extended. This additional capacity
will become available in 1986 and, in view also of the great
demand for our beer, will allow a marked increase in
sales.
In Rwanda sales by Brasseries et Limonaderies du Rwan
da 'Bralirwa' S.A.R.L. showed a slight increase. The
profitability of the enterprise is satisfactory.
Sales by Brasseries et Limonaderies du Burundi 'Brarudi'
S.A.R.L. in Burundi remained at the same level as in 1984.
The brewery at Gitega came on stream in mid-1985. The
growth in sales of the Amstel beer produced here was
below expectations. Partly as a result of this the earnings
were lower than the previous year.
The Douala brewery of International Brasserie S.A.Came
roon. reached maximum capacity within three months after
start-up of production. In the meantime a substantial
expansion of capacity to 350.000 hectolitres has taken
place.
In addition to the production of Mützig. Amstel beer is now
also being brewed under licence by this affiliate.
In Nigeria there was a sharp decline in sales by Nigerian
Breweries Ltd. owing to the fact that production lagged
behind due to the failure to obtain import permits for raw
materials and spare parts.
In Sierra Leone the economic position remained poor.
Owing to shortage of raw materials the production of Sierra
Leone Brewery Ltd. was at a low level. No improvement is
expected in this position in the short term.
Sales at Kumasi Brewery Ltd. in Ghana rose slightly,
despite the difficult production conditions as a result of a
shortage of spare parts and a declining purchasing power
of the population. Negotiations are in progress with the
Ghanaian authorities on the obtaining of permission to
contract a hard-currency loan for the purpose of technical
repairs to the brewery.
Despite the difficult conditions, sales by Brasseries du
Logone S.A. in Chad were again higher than the previous
year.
In Angola, partly as a result of the unrest in that country, the
two breweries of our enterprise were only able to utilize part
of the available capacity.
In Morocco the Heineken beer brewed locally under
licence was able to improve its position in the market.
A technical management contract was concluded with
Zambia Breweries Ltd. in Zambia. In addition to rendering
assistance in production, Heineken will undertake the task
of bringing up to the required technical level the group's
two breweries, which are located in Lusaka and Ndola.
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