THE beer market in Myanmar is dominated by domestically made products, for which demand has steadily grown in the past 10 years.

Among the leaders of the local beer industry is Myanmar Brewery Limited (MBL), which manufactures such well-known products as Tiger Beer, ABC Stout, Anchor Beer and of course the most popular brand in the country, the award-winning Myanmar Beer.

MBL has demonstrated a consistent desire to produce high-quality beer. In 2003 it became the first company in Myanmar to attain the International Organisation for Standardisation’s prestigious 9001:2000 certification for its quality management systems. And in 2004 it became the first food and beverage manufacturer in the country to achieve ISO 14001:1996 certification for environmental management.

Together these certifications ensure that the company’s brewing processes are safe, hygienic and of minimal harm to the environment.

MBL has also been certified as adhering to the World Health Organisation’s ‘good manufacturing practices’ (GMP) and is the first food and beverage manufacturer in Myanmar to achieve the international Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, for its food safety management program.

This attention to quality has resulted in numerous international awards for MBL products. Myanmar Beer won gold medals at Belgium’s Monde Selection Awards from 1999 to 2001, and in 2004 and 2005. It also won gold in 2001 at the Australian International Brewing Awards, and silver at the World Beer Cup against hundreds of international beer brands in 2004.

“Our company has achieved success by focusing on building a strong brand image, delivering consistent product quality and customer service, working closely with distribution partners and outlet owners and, last but not least, by investing in staff training through good times and bad times,” said MBL’s general manager, Mr David Teng.

MBL was established in 1995 as a partnership between Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd, and Fraser & Neave Co of Singapore. It was one of the first joint venture companies established in Myanmar, having been in founded only six years after the country adopted a market-oriented economy in 1989.

“Myanmar Brewery Limited has invested more than US$45 million since we began operating in 1995, and we will continue to invest more as the need arises since we have confidence in the long-term potential of the beer market in Myanmar,” said Mr Teng.

He said MBL has been able to do well despite ups and downs in the business environment over the years because of the close relationship between its shareholders, a strong portfolio of premium beer brands, constant emphasis on product quality and customer satisfaction.

Mr Teng said MBL has opened offices in nearly all the states and divisions of Myanmar. It also exports Myanmar Beer to about 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea, as well as the border regions of Thailand, India and China.

Nearly half of MBL’s domestic sales volume comes from Yangon and Mandalay, with the balance distributed throughout the country.

The company employs about 400 workers nationwide, and it also works with a network of appointed distributors and wholesalers that distribute MBL products to more than 10,000 outlets nationwide.

“Our aspiration and goal is to be the number one company in Myanmar, not just in terms of profitability or market share or brand strength, but also in terms of transferring the best practices and technology, of investing in staff training, and of ensuring that our operations and production are safe and environmentally friendly,” Mr Teng said.

He said MBL must work within industry constraints with regard to advertising in mass media.

“Ultimately the most effective and long-lasting advertising is via word-of–mouth by satisfied and happy customers,” he said.

MBL’s modern brewery – which is located in Pyinmabin Industrial Complex in Mingalardon township, Yangon – has attracted many visitors interested in finding out more about the technical aspects of beer brewing and about the brewery’s many quality awards and certifications.

Per capita beer consumption in Myanmar is about one liter (approximately three glasses or cans) a year. Consumption in most other countries ranges from five to 150 liters per person per year, an indication that the growth potential for beer sales in Myanmar is huge and the market largely untapped as of yet.