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China's beer production to hit the top for eighth year
(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-08-24 13:42

China's beer output grew six percent year-on-year to 20.51 million liters (about 20.51 million tons) in the first half of 2009, paving the way for the country to be the world's largest beer producer and consumer for the eighth consecutive year, the China Business News reported today, citing the head of the industrial association.

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China's annual beer output is about 40 million tons, higher than the US' 24 million tons and Germany's 12 million tons, according to Wang Yancai, director general of the China Alcoholic Drinks Industry Association.

Beer output and sales volume are expected to grow 3 to 5 percent annually, said Wang.

There are 251 beer companies in China, operating 550 beer manufacturing plants across the country, according to China Business News.

China's top three beer makers - Snow Beer, Tsingtao, and Yanjing Beer - took about 40 percent of the market, Wang noted.