APB adds Solomon Islands to regional footprint

STRENGTHENING its presence in the South Pacific region, Asia Pacific Breweries Limited (APB) acquired 97.69% of the share capital of Solomon Breweries Limited, from the Solomon Islands, for approximately S$21.5 million.

The only brewer in the Solomon Islands, the 140,000-hectolitre brewery is situated in the capital of Honiara on Guadalcanal, one of the most populated islands amongst the nearly one thousand islands there.

Solomon Breweries is synonymous with local favourites, SB and Solbrew Lager, in the islands that consumed about 67,000 hL of beer in 2010.

Per capita consumption stood at approximately 12 litres and the potential of the beer market is expected to stay positive with the country’s growing population and healthy economy which has been expanding at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.7% from 2006 to 2010.

Including Solomon Breweries, APB is currently supported by 30 brewery operations in 14 countries in the Asia Pacific region.