"Despite the slowdown in investments on the back of the global financial crisis, the Vietnamese drinks sector continues to attract investments from international players," confirms website "www.companiesandmarkets.com", the world 's leading source for international market research and market data.

In its "Vietnam Food and Drink Report Q2 2010" released on March 5, "companiesandmarkets.com" said a number of major global brewers recently announced fresh investments into Vietnam's beer sector, as competition continues to heat up.

According to the report, in November 2009, the Danish brewing giant Carlsberg announced plans to acquire the remaining 50% stake in the Hue Brewery as part of its objective to strengthen its position in the Vietnamese beer market. The Carlsberg had originally purchased a 50% stake in the Vietnamese brewery in 1994 through a preliminary agreement with the Hue People's Committee.

This was followed by the announcement in late December by Japanese brewer Sapporo that it had acquired a 65% stake in Kronenbourg Vietnam, the Carlsberg and Vietnam National Tobacco Corporation (Vinataba) 50:50 joint venture (JV).

The US$25.4 million deal will see Sapporo take full ownership of Carlsberg's stake and 15% of Vinataba's interest. Sapporo has already confirmed that the construction of a new brewery will be among its first priorities upon completing the acquisition.

According to the website, bearing in mind the competitive business environment, the Sapporo still poured fresh investments in Vietnam, which "is considered to be one the world's highest-potential beer markets, with growth fuelled by economic expansion and a growing tourism sector".

The reports says with competition set to increase further as the market continues to open up to foreign investors, those brewers already present in the market can be expected to ramp up investment levels in order to secure a strong foothold. (VNA)