E-Malt.com News article: Finland: The Federation of the Brewing and Soft Drinks Industry appoints a new Chairman

Pekka Tiainen, CEO of Oy Sinebrychoff Ab, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of the Finnish Federation of the Brewing and Soft Drinks Industry, it was announced on November, 20.

The Federation's new Chairman, Pekka Tiainen, describes the near future as challenging for the brewing industry. "Beer tax has already been increased twice this year and now a rise in soft drink taxation is also threatening the beverage industry," he says.

“It's unacceptable for the brewing industry to be made liable for such a large proportion of the government's profit target - an alternative must be found. The current financial climate is already posing its own challenges," Tiainen added.

Tiainen emphasizes beer's role as an accompaniment to food. "Beer is a familiar and well-loved beverage. With so many different types of beers available, there is bound to be one to suit every dish and every palate. As we approach the Christmas season, I would like to remind everyone of the time-honoured role that beer has played as an accompaniment to the Finnish Christmas ham and traditional fish dishes."

In terms of value addition, the brewing industry is the third largest of the food and drink industries in Finland, directly or indirectly employing a total of over 30,000 Finns throughout the various stages of the production and distribution chain - in agriculture, malthouses, breweries, transportation, trade, and bars and restaurants.

Yrjö Närhinen, the former Managing Director of Hartwall Ltd, left the Board in August after serving as the Federation's Chairman since January 2009. The other members of the Federation's Board for 2010 are: Lasse Aho, Managing Director of Olvi plc, Jan-Kees Nieman, Managing Director of Hartwall Ltd, and Matti Heikkilä, Managing Director of Nokian Panimo Oy.


25 November, 2009