San Miguel expands beer presence in Thailand
Miguel said yesterday that it was planning to establish a presence
in Thailand's growing beer market.
San Miguel beer is already widely consumed in the Philippines and Hong Kong and the company now believes that Thailand could be a key market for future growth.
Last autumn, the firm launched two of its beers on the Thai market, namely Red Horse and Blue Ice. The beers have been on sale in Bangkok in selected hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores and on-premise outlets. San Miguel said yesterday that it now plans to start introducing the beers to stores in major cities across the country.
Blue Ice was first launched in the region in the Philippines in 1995, while the extra-strong Red Horse beer has been drunk in Asia-Pacific since 1982.
The latter has since distinguished itself as the company's fastest growing product, according to San Miguel, having sold more than 70 million cases in 2004.
"With 6.9 per cent alcohol volume, Red Horse would be Thailand's beer with the strongest kick," said San Miguel Thailand's marketing manager, Somchai Trechakachorn.
San Miguel has recently increased its presence in the region: earlier this year it acquired Thai Amarit Brewery and construction is ongoing for a non-alcoholic facilty in Rayong, Thailand. Moreover, last month the firm entered into a joint venture agreement with the Thai Life Group to manufacture liquor products.
Established as a single product brewery in 1890, San Miguel has 26,000 employees and over 100 facilities in the Philippines, China, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Australia.
San Miguel beer owns over 90 percent of the Philippine beer market and is among the world's largest selling beers. Affiliated brands James Boag Premium, Anker Beer and Blue Star all hold leading positions in their home markets of Australia, Indonesia and North China.
