Dutch beer company Heineken NV announced yesterday that it has acquired a 49.9% shareholding in Tunisian drinks company Societe de Production et de Distribution des Boissons S.A. (SPDB).

Until now, Heineken's beer has only been available in duty free shops in the country because of import restrictions.Heineken said in a statement that the joint venture company would invest in the construction of a new brewery to brew and distribute Heineken and local brands in Tunisia.
‘The Tunisian beer market offers a good opportunity to further build our positive organic volume growth in the region,’ said Tom de Man, head of Heineken in Africa and the Middle East. ‘Tourism is expected to be a primary driver of sustainable economic growth and creates an opportunity to develop the profitable premium beer segment, in which the Heineken brand will play a leading role,’ he added.