San Miguel's profit in Indonesia up 68%

San Miguel's profit in Indonesia up 68%

MANILA: San Miguel Corp., the largest Philippines food and
beverage company, said operating profit in Indonesia rose 68
percent in the first seven months of this year as it sold more
beer after improving distribution.

Operating income at PT Delta Djakarta Tbk rose to Rp 37.3
billion (US$3.77 million), driven by a 27 percent increase in
beer sales by volume, Manila-based San Miguel said in a
statement. Sales rose 34 percent to Rp 298 billion, it said.

San Miguel is trying to counter slowing earnings growth from
liquor at home, where it bottles nine out of every 10 beer
bottles sold. The Philippine government this year raised
cigarette and liquor taxes to help it cut the budget deficit.

The Philippine brewer's Indonesian unit sells Anker Bir, Anker
Stout, San Miguel Pale, Carlsberg, Kudah Putih, Sodaku and Sodaku
Ice brands. -- Bloomberg