UK/AFRICA: SABMiller mulls southern Sudan project

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 6 March 2007

SABMiller is looking at the possibility of building a brewery in southern Sudan, just-drinks understands.

The London-listed brewing giant, which already has a direct presence in nine African nations outside South Africa, is keen to expand its footprint across the continent.

Industry sources have told just-drinks that SABMiller has sent a management team into southern Sudan to weigh up whether the company could build a plant in that part of the country.

An SABMiller spokesman in London refused to comment on whether the brewer is looking at such an investment. "We are keen to continue to expand our presence in Africa but we are not going to comment on specifics."

SABMiller dominates its home market of South Africa and has been steadily expanding across the continent since 1978 when it entered Botswana.

SABMiller does not strip out sales and earnings for Africa. However, for the financial year to 31 March 2006, its Africa and Asia business accounted for 12% of group revenues and 13% of profits. In Asia, SABMiller has brewing interests in China, India and Vietnam.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: SABMiller