The SARS outbreak has hit growth in the Chinese beer market and could even destroy the forecast rise in beer consumption in the country for this year, according to the brewing group, SABMiller. The impact of SARS had varied from region to region but may have reduced beer sales in Beijing and other cities by as much as 20%, said SABMiller's managing director for Africa and Asia, Andre Parker.

However, SABMiller's Chinese operations would benefit from the purchase of a stake in Harbin Brewery, Andre Parker said. “The Harbin deal would add "significant" synergies in the northeast of the country.”
"The SARS impact could bring growth down to zero (for the year) - but that is real thumb-suck territory," Parker said, adding that sales had been hit as consumers who normally ate out at restaurants chose to stay at home.

04 July, 2003