Denmark: Carlsberg intends to put more emphasis on thirsty Asian and Eastern Europe beer markets

Carlsberg CEO Nils Smedegaard Andersen will increase the efforts of the company on both thirsty Asians and Eastern Europe and Russia where beer drinking is growing compared to the traditional heavy consumption of vodka, Borsen published November 08.

The company will spend more in China and India as the anti-smoking movement in Western Europe results in lower beer sales in the old markets, the news agency Bloomberg wrote.
Today Carlsberg is involved in 20 Chinese breweries, the majority of which is located in the new fringe areas of Western China where large investments in infrastruction are intended to attract more investments. And beer production is very welcome.

But also in India Mr Smedegaard Andersen sees a growth potential, possibly in an alliance with existing breweries in the region. Asia generated revenues for Carlsberg of DKK 580 million in 2006 compared to DKK 433 million the previous year.