Brau Union doubles profit in H1

Brau Union, the leader of the local beer market, owned by Heineken group, doubled its profit in the first half of this year because of a 17% increase in sales and to a more efficient cost management, says Edwin Botterman, chairman and CEO of Brau Union. “The company’s profit will double this year, while sales will keep up the same growth pace as in the first half,” says Edwin Botterman. According to the growth pace announced by the company, turnover of Heineken’s local branch will this year reach 200 million euros, while profit will exceed 7.2 million euros, the biggest value seen since Brau Union’s takeover by Heineken. In the first half of the year, Brau Union’s turnover increased 25% against the first six months of 2005. “The Heineken brand witnessed twice as big an increase as that of the market,” said Botterman. He specified that Brau Union ranked second last year among the plants brewing Heineken. Brau Union underwent a reorganisation process in 2005 in terms of management and of its product portfolio.