The Indian beer and drinks group, United Breweries Group (UB), is to sell its South African subsidiary, United National Breweries (UNB), and exit the market, according to press reports in India. The falling value of the Rand coupled with the lower demand for the sorghum beer have reportedly prompted the decision.

The company was at one stage thought to be considering retaining a 50% stake and management control in the company but this plan is now thought to have been shelved in favour of selling up. UNB has sales of around US$70m. UB initially invested US$15m in the company when it first moved into South Africa in the mid-90s.