China: AB InBev lays foundation for its first brewery in Southwest China

AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, last week held a foundation laying ceremony for its first brewery in Southwest China, China Knowledge reported on April, 19.

The plant, which will be located in Ziyang, Sichuan Province, will cost RMB 650 million. It will have an area of 136,000 square meters and will produce 300,000 tons of beer annually. The plant will be put into operation in June 2011, sources said.

In China, besides the new plant, the Belgian brewing giant’s production potential includes 32 plants located in the north, central and southeast parts of the country.

According to industry analysts, the new base in Ziyang, a city that acts as the bridge between Chengdu and Chongqing, will give the company a stronger competitive advantage over Sichuan Blue Sword Breweries Group and Chongqing Brewery Co Ltd.

21 April, 2010