Regional Review
Africa/Middle East
downs and higher depreciation charges
due to the entry into service of the new
brewery. With the opening of the ultra
modern AMA brewery in Enugu, brewing
capacity in Nigeria increased by 3.4 million
hectolitres per year. Following the
announcement of a ban on imported beer
in mid-2003, the AMA brewery will be
equipped in 2004 for brewing and bottling
Heineken beer. We are looking forward to
sustained sales growth in Nigeria in 2004,
but the pace of growth will be slower than
in 2003, owing to the lack of improvement
in purchasing power and increasing
competition in the low-priced segment.
Consolidated Breweries, in which Heineken
has a minority interest, reported 10% sales
growth.
In the Democratic Republic of
Congo, where the economic situation
showed no improvement, Brasseries,
Limonaderies et Malteries (Bralima)
reported slightly higher sales and in
creased its market share. The result was
much improved, reflecting lower oper
ating expenses. The signature of a peace
treaty and the appointment of a tran
sitional government give some hope of a
more flourishing market in 2004.
In Rwanda, Brasseries et Limonaderies
du Rwanda (Bralirwa) reported a substan
tially lower result, partly due the weakness
of the currency. Sales were severely hit by
a sharp increase in excise duties.
The beer market in Burundi posted
double-digit growth. Purchasing power
improved as the cost of living fell. The
security situation in the country improved
a little, which enabled Brasseries et
Limonaderies du Burundi (Brarudi) to
return a higher result despite adverse
exchange rate movements.
In Congo, Brasseries du Congo was
able to match the good result it achieved
in 2002, despite the more difficult market
conditions. Consumer purchasing power
declined, partly as a consequence of tax
changes.
In a static beer market, Brasseries de
Bourbon on lie de la Réunion
reported slightly lower sales and an
unchanged result, despite the adversely
effects of a two-week strike.
In Ghana, sales were higher at Ghana
Breweries, which increased its market
share and returned a significantly better
result, mainly due to capacity problems
experienced by its competitors.
Beer consumption in Chad was higher,
but Brasseries de Logone's sales were
down and it lost some market share.
Sales volume was higher at Nocal and
EKA in Angola and both breweries posted
an improved result.
Sierra Leone Breweries in Sierra
Leone is still unable to meet demand due
mainly to technical problems in the
bottling plant. A new filling line is being
installed and scheduled to enter service
in April 2004.
In Cameroon, sales of Amstel and
Mützig, which are brewed under licence,
were significantly higher.
In Morocco, sales of Heineken and
Amstel, which are brewed under licence,
were down slightly.
HEINEKEN N.V. ANNUAL REPORT 2003
42
