Local businesses to raise glasses at world beverage fair

Hanoi (VNA) - Around 200 Vietnamese beverage producers are to showcase their products at the 2009 World Fair for Beverage and Liquid Food Technology (Drinktec 2009) in Munich , Germany , from September 14-19.

Speaking at a press conference in Hanoi on Feb. 26, Norbert Bargmann, Managing
Director of the Munich International Trade Fair Group (MMI), spoke highly of the
Vietnamese beverage market's development over recent years, and affirmed that MMI
is keen on expanding its operations into the Vietnamese market.

He said that the fair will offer Vietnam 's beverage producers an opportunity to
explore new markets and seek new avenues of business.

Nguyen Van Hung, Deputy Chairman of the Vietnam Alcohol, Beer and Beverage
Association, said that Drinktec 2009 will not only be a significant event for
Vietnamese companies, but it also provides an opportunity for international
businesses to up their investment in Vietnam's promising beverage industry.

According to Hung, over the past ten years, Vietnam 's beverage sector has
experienced rapid growth, making a significant contribution to the national economy
and creating jobs for more than 37,000 workers.

Market researchers predict that the Vietnamese beverage market will continue to
develop in the years to come, with its total sales predicted to rise 46 percent
against 2007's figure.

Currently, Vietnam 's beverages are not only exported to Asian countries,
including Japan , Indonesia and the Republic of Korea , but have also gained
a sizeable foothold in lucrative markets such as the Netherlands , the US , the
UK and Canada .

Drinktec, the world's largest beverage and liquid food technology fair, is viewed
as a business networking opportunity for the world's leading beverage
producers.-Enditem