The beer market in the People's Republic of China is the largest in the world in terms of volume. In light of the growth and market consolidation trends in China, APB streamlined all its brewery operations under Heineken-APB (China) Pte Ltd (HAPBC*) in 2004. HAPBC assumes all production, marketing and sales of beer brands under Heineken and APB; and spearheads all business strategic activities such as investments, mergers and acquisition in the PRC.

Reaffirming its commitment to Greater China, HAPBC set up Heineken-APB (China) Management Services, Co., Ltd as its Regional Headquarters in June 2005. The Shanghai-based subsidiary has since undertaken HAPBC's responsibility to oversee its operations and investment activities in the Chinese mainland.

Currently, HAPBC has brewery operations in Shanghai and Hainan; and is building a new brewery in Guangzhou. HAPBC also wholly-owns a sales and distribution arm, Heineken Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd and has forged alliances with Kingway Brewery Holdings from the Guangdong province.

*HAPBC is a 50-50 joint venture by APB and its shareholders, Fraser and Neave, Limited and Heineken.