Local alcoholic beverage production on the rise
Local beverage production in Myanmar often tops 25 million gallons annually, and in this fiscal year, more than 33 million gallons were produced between April and December 2014, according to the National Planning and Economic Development Ministry.
Beer production tops all other alcoholic beverages, and alcohol consumption in the country has risen significantly in the past three fiscal years.
In the 2012-13 fiscal year, beer production exceeded 26 million gallons, while that of the other alcoholic beverages was just over 1 million gallons.
In the 2013-14 fiscal year, beer production amounted to more than 34 million gallons, while that of other alcoholic beverages remained just over 1 million gallons, demonstrating a steady rise in beer consumption.
According to figures collected between April 1 and December 31 2014, more than 32 million gallons of beer were produced, whereas other alcoholic beverages remained around the same as previous years. Alcohol production is expected to reach a record high this fiscal year.
The alcoholic beverages have also been imported illegally through trade routes.
Some alcoholic drinks in Myanmar are produced in brew houses run by local entrepreneurs. The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) has also given permission to alcohol manufacturing businesses through joint-venture agreements between local and foreign companies.
In February, the MIC gave the green light to a domestic alcoholic drink factory to operate in Mon State.
In the 2015-16 fiscal year, taxation on nine commodities, including alcoholic beverages and tobacco, will be increased to between 10 and 20 per cent of current rates, according to the 2015 Taxation Bill.
Taxes on beer and spirits will be raised by 10 per cent.
The Customs Department continues to struggle with to regulate Chinese beers imported through illegal border routes.
