FDBusiness.com

Carlsberg has broken ground on a 10 million hectolitre (hl) greenfield brewery at Dali in China. The project marks an important milestone for the strategic partnership between the Carlsberg Group and the Provincial Government of Yunan. Under the agreement, the Carlsberg Group is expected to achieve an annual capacity of 16 million hl by 2015, with total investment of 5 billion Yuan.

Stephen Maher, chief executive of Carlsberg China, comments: “The new greenfield brewery in Dali will set the bar high for China and around the world. It further cements our position as market leader in the Western China, supporting us to realize our ambition to be the fastest growing brewer in China. The partnership also demonstrates our determination and commitment to fostering closer collaboration with local market and the community. The 10 million hl facility is a stepping stone towards sustainable development in China, and we are well placed to capture our share of the future growth in Asia and around the world.”

The new brewery is 40.86 hectares and will be operational in 2015. The second phase of construction is scheduled to start in 2019. Upon completion, the greenfield will increase the production capacity of local power brands Dali Beer and Feng Hua Xue Yue Beer, which paves the way to support the brewer’s market development initiatives and drive the sales network expansion.

This will also empower local production of Carlsberg Group’s international brands, such as the flagship Carlsberg brands and Tuborg, which will support the Carlsberg Group to cater to the growing consumption demand for premium products, and to intensify its premiumisation agenda in China.