In Russia, beer is regarded as a soft drink and China is now the world's largest market for it, evidence that brewing executives are increasingly looking further afield for sales as beer consumption in the west declines as drinkers turn to wine and spirits. The smoking ban that starts in pubs and clubs in England this weekend is expected to further hit sales. But business in emerging markets is booming - with Russians, Chinese, Indians among those thirsty for western-style beer.

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NamNews - Wednesday 27th June 2007

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