FDBusiness.com

Heineken has opened a $60 million brewery in Myanmar, which will have a technical capacity of 330,000 hectolitres per year and which will directly employ more than 200 local people. The opening of the new brewery further expands the global brewing group’s exposure to high growth markets. Myanmar has one of the largest populations in Southeast Asia, with more than 53 million people, rapid urbanization and a fast-growing middle-class consumer base. For the year ending 31 March 2015 the country delivered GDP growth of 7.7% and is targeting further growth of 8.3% for this fiscal year. These strong economics and demographics helped drive $8.01 billion of Foreign Direct Investment in 2015.

The new brewery is located at a greenfield site in the Hmawbi township, near the country’s capital, Yangon. It will start by brewing Heineken® for the premium segment of the market and a new local brand, Regal Seven, a lager beer developed especially for the Myanmar market.

Jean-François van Boxmeer, chief executive and chairman of Heineken, says: “Myanmar is an exciting new opportunity for Heineken. We have a strong track record of growing in partnership with emerging markets, investing in the latest technologies, hiring and training local employees, and supporting the communities where we operate. With our inclusive approach to growth, we are well placed to build a strong and sustainable business in Myanmar.”

The brewery was built by APB Alliance Brewery Company, a joint venture company in which Heineken, through its wholly owned subsidiary Heineken Asia Pacific, has a controlling 57% stake. Heineken is responsible for overall management, providing brewing and technical expertise, procurement of ingredients and the licensing of brands.