Yes, Africa can!

Commenting on the global beer market, Mr Mackay said that the outlook is extremely mixed. “Emerging markets are fine although some have been hit by tax but developed markets in Europe and North America are struggling.”

His comments came as the brewer reported adjusted earnings per share of USD 0.93 for the six months to the end of September 2010.

The half-year dividend was raised 15 percent to USD 0.19 a share while group revenues were lifted 7 percent to USD 14.2 billion.

European profits fell as tough conditions in markets such as Poland, Russia and the Czech Republic hit consumer spending and encouraged downtrading to cheaper brands.

Brewers with major operations in emerging markets, like SABMiller and the world’s number one brewer, AB-InBev, have seen a recovery in beer volumes in recent months, while Heineken and Carlsberg, with more operations in developed markets, have struggled for growth.