Heineken chief executive Mr Karel Vuursteen said the Dutch brewing company aims to achieve long-term growth in net profit in line with earnings achieved in recent years.
The company reported a 15-per cent rise in 2001 net profit to €715 million from €621 million, on sales of €9.163 billion, up 13 per cent from 2000.
Speaking at a news conference following the release of full-year results, the Mr Vuursteen said that the brewer would achieve organic growth through its Heineken Premium beer and specialty beers.
The global beer market grew 3 per cent in 2001, with consumption in Asia growing the fastest, at 6 per cent, followed by Africa (2.5 per cent), Europe (2.0 per cent) and North America (0.5 per cent).
The company hopes to expand in China "where a number of international brewers are stepping in and out of the market. Local consolidation is taking place in China and this offers opportunities in time," Mr Vuursteen said.
Separately, he added that the death of majority shareholder Mr Freddie Heineken would have no impact on the brewer's corporate structure.
"The holding/NV structure will absolutely continue to exist," he said.
The Heineken family holds just over half of all shares in Heineken Holding, which in turn has a 50 per cent stake in Heineken.
AFP