Almost half of all beer in Myanmar is an illegal import, says brewing businessman

Almost half of all beer in Myanmar is an illegal import, says brewing businessman
by -
Mizzima

The level of beer consumption in Myanmar is twice theamount the country currently legally brews, said U Thein Tun, a partner in the new Carlsberg Myanmar brewery.

The chairman of the MGS group that owns 49 per cent of a joint venture with Danish beer producer, Carlsberg, told Mizzima on August 21 that the company will help keep the profits of the alcohol industry within Myanmar.

“The country’s production rate is only 170 million litres, the amount of beer sold in Myanmar is 330 million litres, the remaining 160 million litres is illegally imported into the country,” said U Thein Tun.

“If we can provide for the full market demand then money will not leave the country,” he added.
 
Daw Mya Sein Yee, marketing director from Myanmar Brewery Limited told Mizzima on August 21, “Beer consumption in Myanmar is increasing; our sales never decrease though that may be because we face no competition in the market.”

U Thein Tun said Carlsberg Myanmar will launch three beers; the international brands Carlsberg, and Tuborg and a local brand Yoma beer in October.

Dutch brewers Heineken have also entered the country in a joint venture to compete against pre-existing local breweries Myanmar, Dagon and Mandalay.

U Thein Tun said consumption of beer in Myanmar is about three to four litres per capita, the lowest rate in Asia.