As of 2007 and 2008 I have begun to party a fair bit less than my London years but continue to enjoy a tipple or two on a regular basis.
I don’t drink everyday and limit my consumption to weekends and Mondays.
I avoid my previous drink of choice (large bottles of vodka) and prefer to sup on beer and wine nowadays.
So why do I drink?
For me it is not a social thing.
I have never much cared for big gatherings or endless work parties and while I regularly endure both with a drink in hand they are not the main cause for my drinking.
For me the optimum combination is good booze, fine food and an excellent backdrop.
Garden barbeques with a bottle of beer, gin and tonics with Satays at a beach bar and champagne with fresh seafood on a friend’s yacht are among the best examples.
I drink because it is enjoyable and intend to continue doing so in the best of surroundings and most favourable of situations.
Other people are free to do as they like and who am I to judge?
Asian Whisky A Go Go
It is hard to say what is worse; the general lack of decent beer in Asia or the native population’s taste for crap whisky.
Due to a holiday season extended by endless work related parties that revolved around massive consumption of Johnnie Walker I did not have much capacity for beer or anything else in most of January.
Chinese New Year combined with an astonishing number of wedding and birthday parties led to an alcohol sodden start to February and even more Johnnie Walker.
Recovery is now underway and I hope to continue my regular sampling of the good, the bad and the ugly beers that Asia has to offer.
Due to a holiday season extended by endless work related parties that revolved around massive consumption of Johnnie Walker I did not have much capacity for beer or anything else in most of January.
Chinese New Year combined with an astonishing number of wedding and birthday parties led to an alcohol sodden start to February and even more Johnnie Walker.
Recovery is now underway and I hope to continue my regular sampling of the good, the bad and the ugly beers that Asia has to offer.
Tiger Beer roars and pours in Laos
My first Laotian beer update is not about the national brew but the new foreign arrival from Singapore.
Last month Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) announced that their domestic operations in the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic would be brewing Tiger Beer before the end of the year.
While Tiger has been available as a high-end, premium import in the country for over a decade APB decided that the market was now mature enough to support a brewery that competes with the excellent, but somewhat monopolistic, Beerlao.
APB prefers to brew domestically rather than rely on imports and now has operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and China as well as many other countries around the globe.
Good Morning Vientiane
My long awaited reconnaissance mission to Laos took place recently and has provided me with enough Communist beer related stories to fill this blog for at least a month.
More to come shortly…
More to come shortly…
Beer Lao Draft on the Mekong
“Bia Sot” and “Nam Kawn” (“Fresh Beer” and “Ice”) are the two things you have to be able to say if you are to enjoy a trip in the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos.It is only in this tiny and remote Communist country that you can drink Beerlao fresh from a beer tap.
When I arrived in Vientiane the first thing I did after checking into my hotel was go out and order a pitcher of this golden nectar at a nearby bar overlooking the Mekong.
The taste of Beerlao Draft renders any notion of canned or bottled beer completely obsolete.
The beer tastes amazingly pure and fresh thanks to the close proximity of the Beerlao brewery.
The picture says it all really…
Temporarily out of action
A combination of an evil computer virus and the early onset of the monsoon has laid me and several blog post temporarily out of action.
Luckily my computer guy is on it and has only taken 1 week to feedback to me that "Your computer have problem!"...........
There will be more beer blogging to come soon I drunkenly promise!
Luckily my computer guy is on it and has only taken 1 week to feedback to me that "Your computer have problem!"...........
There will be more beer blogging to come soon I drunkenly promise!
Mini Sapporo Beer in Hong Kong
This mini can of Sapporo is something I picked up from a 7-11 near to the hotel I was staying at in Hong Kong.In the photo the Carlsberg is a normal 330ml and the Sapporo was tiny in comparison, although the pricing was quite similar.
Sapporo tastes good whether in bottle or can and the 7-11's in Hong Kong really have their fridges turned up to full power so the beer was icy cold and ready to drink.
I finished it in one gulp.
Very nice indeed.
Tsingtao - Proud sponsor of the 2008 Beijing Olympics
The Tsingtao in Hong Kong was really, really fresh.An absolute pleasure to drink.
It is available in every bar, restaurant and minimart as the defacto beer of choice.
I drank it out of cans, bottles and draft (I think did anyway) and it was by far the best I have ever had when compared to the Tsingtao I have consumed in other countries.
As far as the Olympics go the athletes of the world should be more than catered for alcoholically either in their celebrations or commiserations.
Roll on Beijing!
Prime Max - The bastard cousin of Hite
I have never been to South Korea and if the beer is anything to go by I never intend to.Prime Max is another brew from the Hite Brewery in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul who amazingly enough manage to have a majority share of the domestic beer market.
I can only imagine how appaling the competitor's beer must be!
Prime Max is meant to be a more premium beer than Hite and charges a slightly higher price while claiming to have a more complex flavour.
I couldn't notice much difference.
Neither beer is very nice, even when properly chilled.
When both beers start to warm up they taste pretty bad.
The slogan is the real clincher proclaiming loudly that the brew is a "delicious idea".
A nice idea more like....
Gold Benthanh – Indulge the success, enjoy the quality
I am a bit annoyed at having to write this beer review.
It is not the beer’s fault but I had previously done a write up only to find later that a virus had wiped away all of my alcoholic musings.
Gold Benthanh is a Vietnamese beer that is not appallingly dreadful nor much to write home about.
It is a beer that has a “by the numbers” feel to it as if the brewers concentrated more on the spreadsheet and sales projections than the actual brew.
The website is a hoot and is packed full of English transliterations that make for a fun read.
Apparently Gold Benthanh is “Best use after freezing” and the stated ingredients are “Water, 100% wheat, houbon, alcohol 4.7%”.
I do often wonder whether Asian beers ever enter into the brewing process and can’t help thinking that most breweries prefer just to add a bucket of anti-freeze into the mix instead….
Pearl River Lager Beer – Since 1985
This brew is a typical German style lager so commonly found in China, although this one comes with a 1980’s style ring pull.Guangzhou Zhujiang Brewery launched Pearl River in 1985 and has achieved continuing popularity with China’s beer drinkers.
As with everything else in China this beer is now being exported across the region but has yet to make any significant impact in the alcoholic global consciousness.
Pearl River is fairly drinkable and I can find no reason to speak ill of it, although given a choice I would definitely prefer a Tsingtao.
Pacifico Clara – Imported Beer from Mexico
This is a well traveled beer that is imported from Mexico into the USA, where it has a popular following, then gets sent around the world to random places in Asia.Considering the beer knocks up more air miles than I do it still manages to hold its own when compared to other Mexican imports such as Corona.
Pacifico Clara has more character than your average lightweight Mexican brew and its bottle boasts a distinctive yellow label that helps it stand out on the shelf and in the bar.
It is a pilsner that has been made at the Cerveceria del Pacifico brewery in Mazatlan, Mexico since 1900 when three Germans launched the beer.
The brewery is now owned by brewing giant Grupo Modelo which in turn is part owned by another giant, Anheuser-Busch.
In terms of taste and quality Pacifico Clara compares favourably with local beers but with only a trickle of supply and such a long delivery route there is no chance of it ever competing with Asia’s beer oligarchs.
You Beer – Special Lager
You Beer is a special beer.
I know this because it says so on the can!
The beer certainly is special in its own way, like many other chemi-brews it stands out thanks largely to the noxious fumes that are released upon cracking open the can.
The aftertaste can also be described as special – not quite soapish nor completely chemical, it is uniquely disgusting.
From what I gather this beer is made in Vietnam and exported to any country that will take it.
You Beer is especially bad.
I know this because it says so on the can!
The beer certainly is special in its own way, like many other chemi-brews it stands out thanks largely to the noxious fumes that are released upon cracking open the can.
The aftertaste can also be described as special – not quite soapish nor completely chemical, it is uniquely disgusting.
From what I gather this beer is made in Vietnam and exported to any country that will take it.
You Beer is especially bad.
Gold Bear – It tastes exactly the same as Heineken!
This is a beer that not only looks like a bottle of Heineken it also tastes exactly the same.
Now anywhere else in the world that would be an insult but in Southeast Asia it is a quite favourable comment.
The bottle makes some reference to Singapore but my theory is that one of the many licensed Heineken breweries in the region is pulling a fast one and selling off some of the beer with a new label.
I would guess Vietnam, Thailand or Cambodia but who knows, maybe someone stole the secret recipe!
Myanmar Beer in a Can
In my previous visits to Myanmar I have only ever encountered Myanmar Beer in 640ml bottles but thanks to a recent export drive cans of the brew are now making their way across the continent to friendly markets such as Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
The beer is just as good in a can and is well-suited to the Southeast Asian climate with a dry yet balanced full-bodied taste with a healthy level of carbonation.
Despite international sanctions from America and Europe most Asian countries could not care less about Myanmar’s domestic shenanigans and are more than happy to trade with the country.
Myanmar Brewery Limited is now an established corporate entity and also brews a number of international beers under license including Tiger Beer, ABC Stout and Anchor Beer.
This remains a very good Asian beer.
The beer is just as good in a can and is well-suited to the Southeast Asian climate with a dry yet balanced full-bodied taste with a healthy level of carbonation.
Despite international sanctions from America and Europe most Asian countries could not care less about Myanmar’s domestic shenanigans and are more than happy to trade with the country.
Myanmar Brewery Limited is now an established corporate entity and also brews a number of international beers under license including Tiger Beer, ABC Stout and Anchor Beer.
This remains a very good Asian beer.
BeerAsia 2008 Resolutions Update
I actually managed to lived up to most of last year’s resolutions:
- I drank very little Johnnie Walker
- I enjoyed lots and lots of Beer Lao
- I visited the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos and smuggled lots of beer back with me
- I continued my campaign against crappy Thai beer
- But I was unable to encourage freedom and democracy in Burma as a means of international availability of Beer Myanmar.
Phnom Penh Beer – Brewed & Canned in Cambodia
Phnom Penh has its first homegrown beer according to Cambodian blogger Vuthasurf. Strangely enough it is brewed and canned in Kampong Chhnang province, not Phnom Penh:
http://www.vuthasurf.com/2008/12/18/new-brand-of-phnom-penh-beer/
Yesterday, I went to visit the One Product One Province Expo at Modial Center in Phnom Penh, I then spotted the new brand of beer brewed in Cambodia, bearing the name “Phnom Penh Beer”.
This kind of beer just has been brewed at the early of this month in Kompong Chhnang province. I tasted it but I could not yet compare it with Angkor Beer. By the way, the Phnom Penh Beer will be able to enter the market to compete with the other beers.
Chang, Budweiser, Heineken, Stella Beer Joke
After the Great Britain Beer Festival, in London, all the brewery presidents decided to go out for a beer.
The guy from Chang sits down and says, "Hey bartender, I would like the world's best beer, a Chang." The bartender dusts off a bottle from the shelf and gives it to him.
The guy from Budweiser says, "I'd like the best beer in the world, give me 'The King Of Beers', a Budweiser." The bartender gives him
one.
The guy from Heineken says, "I'd like the only beer made with fresh spring water, give me a Heineken" He gets it.
The guy from Stella sits down and says, "Give me a Coke." The bartender is a little taken aback, but gives him what he ordered.
The other brewery presidents look over at him and ask "Why aren't you drinking a Stella" and the Stella president replies, "Well, I figured if you guys aren't drinking beer, neither would I."
The guy from Chang sits down and says, "Hey bartender, I would like the world's best beer, a Chang." The bartender dusts off a bottle from the shelf and gives it to him.
The guy from Budweiser says, "I'd like the best beer in the world, give me 'The King Of Beers', a Budweiser." The bartender gives him
one.
The guy from Heineken says, "I'd like the only beer made with fresh spring water, give me a Heineken" He gets it.
The guy from Stella sits down and says, "Give me a Coke." The bartender is a little taken aback, but gives him what he ordered.
The other brewery presidents look over at him and ask "Why aren't you drinking a Stella" and the Stella president replies, "Well, I figured if you guys aren't drinking beer, neither would I."
Chang Beer Wins Gold Medal at 2008 World Beer Championships
http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20090109/bs_prweb/prweb1841854
The distinguished tasting panel described Chang as: "Bright golden color. Honeyed raisin toast aromas with a hint of lychee follow through on a crisp, smooth entry to a dryish medium body with a hint of apple, nut, and a solid roasted grain character. Finishes with a crisp, balanced earthy hop and pizza dough fade. A very nice food beer."
Now it is true that Chang tastes okay for a Thai beer and if you are willing to ignore the accompanying God awful "Changover" then it is feasible for the beer to win an award.
But how the hell did they come up with that taste description?
Makes you wonder about the effects formaldehyde can have on the brain...
The distinguished tasting panel described Chang as: "Bright golden color. Honeyed raisin toast aromas with a hint of lychee follow through on a crisp, smooth entry to a dryish medium body with a hint of apple, nut, and a solid roasted grain character. Finishes with a crisp, balanced earthy hop and pizza dough fade. A very nice food beer."
Now it is true that Chang tastes okay for a Thai beer and if you are willing to ignore the accompanying God awful "Changover" then it is feasible for the beer to win an award.
But how the hell did they come up with that taste description?
Makes you wonder about the effects formaldehyde can have on the brain...
Anchor Beer: Thailand versus Cambodia
Cambodian expats have been abuzz about the origins of their much favoured tipple, Anchor.
Since late 2008 there have been several versions of the beer available in Cambodia: one version is the "original brew" and made in Kien Svay, another made by a Cambodian company by the name of HBL and a third, decidedly inferior, version made in Thailand.
Comments on a local expat site chart this most annoying of alcoholic inconveniences:
"Some shops are selling dodgy Anchor Beer made in Thailand and tastes nowhere near as good as the Cambodian made stuff"
"Domestic demand for Anchor exceeds the brewery's ability to supply - thus the excess is being sourced from Thai brewers until they can increase capacity. The Thai stuff is lower quality and you can tell by the can - make sure you buy the stuff marked made in Kandal province..."
"Locally produced beer gets shafted on taxes while the crap smuggled over the border manages to evade a lot of that so I figure there is economic incentive too"
Eventually somebody in the know posted some good news:
"The imported, Thai made, version is no longer in the market and was stopped as a supplier several months ago now"
http://www.expat-advisory.com/forums/topic7595.html
http://www.expat-advisory.com/forums/topic7602.html
Since late 2008 there have been several versions of the beer available in Cambodia: one version is the "original brew" and made in Kien Svay, another made by a Cambodian company by the name of HBL and a third, decidedly inferior, version made in Thailand.
Comments on a local expat site chart this most annoying of alcoholic inconveniences:
"Some shops are selling dodgy Anchor Beer made in Thailand and tastes nowhere near as good as the Cambodian made stuff"
"Domestic demand for Anchor exceeds the brewery's ability to supply - thus the excess is being sourced from Thai brewers until they can increase capacity. The Thai stuff is lower quality and you can tell by the can - make sure you buy the stuff marked made in Kandal province..."
"Locally produced beer gets shafted on taxes while the crap smuggled over the border manages to evade a lot of that so I figure there is economic incentive too"
Eventually somebody in the know posted some good news:
"The imported, Thai made, version is no longer in the market and was stopped as a supplier several months ago now"
http://www.expat-advisory.com/forums/topic7595.html
http://www.expat-advisory.com/forums/topic7602.html
Beijing Yan Jing Beer flying over China
Business has been busy so beer blog updates have been slow in recent months but thanks to my travels I managed to sample some new Asian brews.Flying God awful economy somewhere over southern China the air stewardess asked the usual question (what would you like to drink?) and I gave the usual answer (Beer! Beer! Beer!).
I soon found out the only brew available on China Southern airlines is Beijing Yan Jing beer and over the course of several flights I managed to drink about half a case thanks to my finely honed patter with the cabin crew.
Q) Would you like anything else sir?
A) Yes! Beer! Beijing Yan Jing Beer!
The noticeably blue can claimed a quality grade of excellent and certified the brew as a “Green Food” i.e. environmentally friendly. At 4.0% a couple of cans per flight were enough to keep me entertained and taste wise it was okay considering the beer was served warm.
Apparently the Beijing Yanjing Beer Group Corporation is one of the biggest breweries in China with 20,000 employees and an impressive production capacity of 3.11 million tons of beer a year, a significant increase on their first few thousand bottles brewed when they set up in 1980.
Yanjing is actually the ancient name of Beijing and the brew has an 85% share of local market and is also the official beer of all government banquets.
Warm beer rarely hits the spot but it can be a real giveaway about the quality of the brew. If it is a chemi-brew then it would taste revolting above 10 Celsius but I can say that Yan Jing beer managed to pass the “doesn’t taste like chemical piss when served warm test” with flying colors.
Asahi Black – Munich Type Beer from Japan
Black beers made in Asia have a well deserved reputation for tasting terrible and having alcohol levels so high that even Chang drinkers think twice before opening a can.
But Asahi Black is an exception and for once the description on the can is very accurate: “Asahi’s original brew” has a “rich and smooth taste” that is “fine taste beer” for you to “relax and enjoy”!
Brewed in Osaka by Asahi Breweries Limited it is an original Munich-type beer brewed using their pure cultured yeast and Asahi’s advanced brewing techniques that have made their other beers so popular in Japan and many overseas markets.
Asahi Black is a highly drinkable beer. It truly is a rich and smooth brew and at 5% it’s one of the few black beers in Asia with an alcohol level that doesn’t overpower the taste (or the drinker).
This beer is well recommended.
Kingdom Breweries and their Clouded Leopard Pilsener - A Beer of Rare Quality
Kingdom Breweries is the newest beer producer in Cambodia and is certainly an interesting addition to the market. Backed by an international hedge fund and under the direction of German brewmaster Peter Haupenthal and management of CEO Peter Brongers this is a very professional attempt at establishing a boutique brewery on the banks of the on tonle sap.
They launched their first offering to the Cambodian market at the beginning of October 2010 with Clouded Leopard Pilsener which naturally uses only the best German and Czech hops, premium German malt and top-quality water and so far the beer has been received well amongst the more discerning foreign residents and well-to-do tourists who are willing to pay more for a distinct tipple that stands out from the fierce competition of average "premium quality" lager beers.
While their capacity is miniscule compared to local giants such as CamBrew (Angkor, Bayon) and CBL (Anchor, Crown, ABC) Kingdom Breweries seems determined to stand out based on its consistency rather than volume with gradual expansion expected only as long as quality can be assured.
What the brewery says:
Though its naturally crisp finish does wonders for a bone-dry mouth and a sun-baked body, Kingdom’s Clouded Leopard Pilsener is infinitely more than an exceptional thirst quencher. Think of it as part of your essential travelling kit-its clean, zesty flavor refreshing every corner of your mind and body as you navigate an afternoon in the notorious Cambodian heat.
What I say:
This is a very exciting beer for expats who are so used to consistently average lagers or poor quality soapy piss. While maybe not exactly designed for local tastes I find the crisp, dry and slightly bitter taste most refreshing and it is enjoyable to drink a beer that you know people have dedicated their time and energy to making it just right.
Even Time Magazine was impressed enough to write a glowing article about the brewery: http://www.time.com/time/travel/article/0,31542,2020970,00.html#ixzz15psoSp1c
Kingdom Beer - A Cambodian International Prize Winning Beer
The hottest beer news in Cambodia right now is that Kingdom Beer has won the Le Monde Selection Gold medal from an international organisation in Belgium. Okay some of these awards have pretty lax process but I am happy to give some positive coverage to an Asian brewery that has really gone beyond the regional mass market beer making standards.
Most people either love it or hate it but their is no doubt that a lot of hard work has been put into making this beer, something the rest of the industry could take a lesson from.
Anyway here is the press blurb provided to you courtesy of the Kampuchean Associated Press (though I am sure they have just taken the original press release verbatim):
Phnom Penh April 25, 2011 AKP –
Kingdom Breweries (Cambodia) Ltd. has announced recently that “Kingdom Beer” won a gold medal from the International Institute for Quality Selection, Le Monde Selection, in Brussels, Belgium.
The announcement was made by Mr. Peter Brongers, CEO of Kingdom Breweries (Cambodia) Ltd., during a press conference held here last Friday.
It is the first time for Cambodia’s brewery to get such a prestige and award, he said, adding that the excited achievement is not only for Kingdom Breweries (Cambodia) Ltd, which has just started its business in the country six months ago, but for the entire Cambodian people.
People know that Cambodia is one of the best world’s tourist destinations, but they have never heard about Cambodia’s products and trademark, he said, stressing that this reward will reflect that Cambodian products and trademark can compete with other good products over the world.
The Awards Ceremony will be held in Brussels on May 24 in the presence of various ambassadors and many distinguished guests.
“Kingdom Beer” was among 100 different beers to join the international competition held in Brussels to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Independence Committee of the International Institute for Quality Selection.
Le Monde Selection was founded in 1961. Its mission is to test consumer products – beers, wines, soft drink, etc; – and grant them a bronze, silver, gold or grand gold quality award. –AKP
Most people either love it or hate it but their is no doubt that a lot of hard work has been put into making this beer, something the rest of the industry could take a lesson from.
Anyway here is the press blurb provided to you courtesy of the Kampuchean Associated Press (though I am sure they have just taken the original press release verbatim):
Phnom Penh April 25, 2011 AKP –
Kingdom Breweries (Cambodia) Ltd. has announced recently that “Kingdom Beer” won a gold medal from the International Institute for Quality Selection, Le Monde Selection, in Brussels, Belgium.
The announcement was made by Mr. Peter Brongers, CEO of Kingdom Breweries (Cambodia) Ltd., during a press conference held here last Friday.
It is the first time for Cambodia’s brewery to get such a prestige and award, he said, adding that the excited achievement is not only for Kingdom Breweries (Cambodia) Ltd, which has just started its business in the country six months ago, but for the entire Cambodian people.
People know that Cambodia is one of the best world’s tourist destinations, but they have never heard about Cambodia’s products and trademark, he said, stressing that this reward will reflect that Cambodian products and trademark can compete with other good products over the world.
The Awards Ceremony will be held in Brussels on May 24 in the presence of various ambassadors and many distinguished guests.
“Kingdom Beer” was among 100 different beers to join the international competition held in Brussels to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Independence Committee of the International Institute for Quality Selection.
Le Monde Selection was founded in 1961. Its mission is to test consumer products – beers, wines, soft drink, etc; – and grant them a bronze, silver, gold or grand gold quality award. –AKP
A few final snapshots of Myanmar Beer 's Elegant Calendar Girls; see more of you soon.....????
We can only hope that Myanmar opening up to the world will mean more chance of finding photos less than 5 years old from this country,
Let's hope there is a backlog of soon to be released stockpile of previously sanctioned Myanmar Beer calendars back onto the free market.
This is at least one area where sanctions seem to have been too effective, lets hope they all can get repealed and stay that way!
Mind you I would also love to try a bottle of Mandalay Beer and check out any of their calendars as well, presuming they still exist and they are not imprisoned or exiled somewhere.
Let's hope there is a backlog of soon to be released stockpile of previously sanctioned Myanmar Beer calendars back onto the free market.
This is at least one area where sanctions seem to have been too effective, lets hope they all can get repealed and stay that way!
Mind you I would also love to try a bottle of Mandalay Beer and check out any of their calendars as well, presuming they still exist and they are not imprisoned or exiled somewhere.
If My Evil, Biting Monkey, Asian Hangover was a Movie....
 | ||||||
| My hangover resembles this... |
?
For those who are more interested in the actual movie called "The Hangover Part II" then you would be better off to order or download via this link: The Hangover Part II
Japanese Brewery Plans for Life After Tiger in Southeast Asia
Kirin to push own beer in Southeast Asia after alliance ends
by HARUKA TAKASHIGE, ajw.asahi.com
Kirin’s milk beverage products on sale at a supermarket in Ho Chi Minh City
Photo by: Haruka Takashige
SINGAPORE--Kirin Holdings Co. plans to enter the standard beer market in Singapore, despite the end of its capital alliance with a major beverage producer in the island state.
“Our Southeast Asian strategy will never weaken,” Tetsuhiko Sato at Kirin Holdings Singapore, which oversees Kirin’s operations in Southeast Asia, said in an interview with The Asahi Shimbun.
Sato, who is responsible for sales strategy, said Kirin plans to increase sales of Ichiban Shibori beer, sold as a premium product in Singapore, and later introduce lower-priced beer to the country.
“We want to eventually compete in the larger market,” he said.
Denmark’s Carlsberg currently holds a large share in the standard beer market in Singapore.
Kirin obtained a 15-percent stake in Singapore’s Fraser and Neave Ltd. in July 2010 to increase sales in Southeast Asia. But Thai Beverage Public Co. has purchased a majority of shares in the company, making it difficult for Kirin to maintain the alliance.
Kirin said Feb. 1 it will sell its holdings in Fraser and Neave to Thai Beverage for 150 billion yen ($1.6 billion).
“We acquired know-how in local operations such as product development and advertising (through the alliance),” Sato said, adding that Kirin hopes to find a new partner in Singapore or Malaysia.
Kirin will gain a profit of 47 billion yen from the sales of Fraser and Neave shares.
“In hindsight, (ending the alliance) was good,” Sato said. “It would have taken a lot of time to earn this much from the beverage business.”
by HARUKA TAKASHIGE, ajw.asahi.com
Kirin’s milk beverage products on sale at a supermarket in Ho Chi Minh City
Photo by: Haruka Takashige
SINGAPORE--Kirin Holdings Co. plans to enter the standard beer market in Singapore, despite the end of its capital alliance with a major beverage producer in the island state.
“Our Southeast Asian strategy will never weaken,” Tetsuhiko Sato at Kirin Holdings Singapore, which oversees Kirin’s operations in Southeast Asia, said in an interview with The Asahi Shimbun.
Sato, who is responsible for sales strategy, said Kirin plans to increase sales of Ichiban Shibori beer, sold as a premium product in Singapore, and later introduce lower-priced beer to the country.
“We want to eventually compete in the larger market,” he said.
Denmark’s Carlsberg currently holds a large share in the standard beer market in Singapore.
Kirin obtained a 15-percent stake in Singapore’s Fraser and Neave Ltd. in July 2010 to increase sales in Southeast Asia. But Thai Beverage Public Co. has purchased a majority of shares in the company, making it difficult for Kirin to maintain the alliance.
Kirin said Feb. 1 it will sell its holdings in Fraser and Neave to Thai Beverage for 150 billion yen ($1.6 billion).
“We acquired know-how in local operations such as product development and advertising (through the alliance),” Sato said, adding that Kirin hopes to find a new partner in Singapore or Malaysia.
Kirin will gain a profit of 47 billion yen from the sales of Fraser and Neave shares.
“In hindsight, (ending the alliance) was good,” Sato said. “It would have taken a lot of time to earn this much from the beverage business.”
South Korea Reaches Hite Point of Success with Noble Ice Maiden
Several years ago I was informed by various foreigners that South Korean beer is awful and when I researched this information I found many others with similar complaints.
But now I have found strong evidence supporting the Korean Beer improvements after much diligent research and analysis of new materials that show my original statements were not totally balanced and that indeed the Korean people are reaching a new Hite Point of Success.
Never mind the Gangngam style because the Hite Ice Point style is much more attractive and enticing thanks to the endorsement of noble ice maiden and world famous Queen of Ice, Yuna Kim!
In the official company announcement it was explained that this is Yuna’s first ever alcohol endorsement and she was selected as her Olympic Winning Ice Skating image matches the brand dynamics of being "fresh and cool like Hite Beer!”
Hite Ice Point is using a new and increasingly popular process of creating the beer at zero degrees Celsius using an Ice Point Filtration System.
This is something other well known Asia market brands like Tiger Beer and Carlsberg Chill are also experimenting with since the system helps provide certain level of quality with fresh and crisp elements that create a cooler taste.
It seems that Hite is willing to push itself to a higher level of beer making for a premium drinking market target.
Korean Beer drinkers, your honour and taste is certainly an improving sight to be proud of and I hope to try this beer soon to find if the taste fully matches the amazing looks!
Another interesting Beer in Asia...
Same again? Yes please!
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