DB Breweries Ltd, the second largest brewer of New Zealand has posted 25% rise of its net profit after tax for the first half of the year, ending March 31st. DB Breweries Ltd has registered a net profit after tax of NZ$16.8m (US$9.5m), with sales up 6.6% and earnings before interest and tax jumping 10% to NZ$23.4m. Brian Blake, company’s Managing Director said that despite a highly competitive market DB's brands in New Zealand - Heineken, Monteith's and Tui - had maintained double-digit growth.

About 77% of DB Breweries is owned by Asia Pacific Breweries, a joint venture by Singapore's Fraser & Neave and Holland's Heineken.

12 May, 2003