Thailand, Bangkok: San Miguel Corporation, Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage company whose flagship product, San Miguel Beer, said on March 30 it is a market leader in the Philippines and Hong Kong and is looking to establish a presence in Thailand’s rapidly growing beer market.

Since November, Red Horse Beer and Blue Ice Beer, just two of San Miguel’s popular beer brands in a full-range portfolio, have been made available in Bangkok through selected hypermart, supermarket and convenience store chains and on-premise outlets.

Both products will be available in stores in key cities across the country by early 2005.

While new to Thailand, Blue Ice has been on shelves in the regional market since 1995. After its launch in the Philippines, it was successfully rolled out to Hong Kong and Taiwan where its ice smooth taste continues to win over discriminating younger beer drinkers.

Red Horse Beer, San Miguel’s extra-strong beer, was launched in 1982 and his since distinguished itself as the Company’s fastest growing product, having solid more than 70 million cases in 2004 alone. “With 6.9% alcohol volume, Red Horse would be Thailand’s beer with the strongest kick,” said San Miguel Thailand’s Marketing Manager, Somchai Trechakachorn.

“We’re excited to be in Thailand. As the Southeast Asia’s fastest growing beer market, we’d like to be able to participate because we have great products to offer consumers. Given our success elsewhere in the region, we have a good chance of connecting with Thai beer drinkers,” said Ramon S. Ang, San Miguel’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are confident that through these two quality beers, we will be able to give Thai consumers an appreciation of San Miguel products and create a loyal base of consumers for our growing portfolio of brands.”

With products available in over 40 export markets, the Company recently shifted its regional expansion program into high gear and hoping to capitalize on its success in the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia and Vietnam by entering Thailand, a new operating market for the 114-year old company.

Earlier this year, San Miguel acquired Thai Amarit Brewery. Construction is ongoing for a non-alcoholic facilty in Rayong, Thailand. Just last month San Miguel 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% 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.

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