SABMiller profit boosted by emerging economies

SABMiller Plc, the world's second- largest brewer by volume, reported full-year profit rose 15%, aided by improved sales in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and lower raw material costs in Europe, Latin America and South Africa. Earnings before interest, taxes, and amortisation rose to $5.05 billion from $4.38 billion, and revenue advanced 7.7% to $19.4 billion, the company said.

The maker of Grolsch, Peroni and Miller Lit saw profit grow 20% on an organic basis in Africa and EBITA rise 33% in Asia as Indian and Chinese drinkers bought more beer. The London-based company also said more than a third of revenue last year was from Latin America.

SABMiller is the second-largest brewer in India, where it operates 10 breweries. CR Snow, the group's partnership with China Resources Enterprise, LTD., is the largest brewer in China. It also has an operation in Vietnam, a joint venture in Australia and export significant volumes to South Korea and Taiwan.