The Asia hub office in Hong Kong will support Sabmiller's partnership in China, Vietnam, Australia and the wholly owned business in India, the company said in a release.

"This is a significant development and reflects the company's recognition of the scale and the uniqueness of the Asian market," SABMiller India managing director Jean-Marc Deplon de Vaux said.

Speaking about the company's business in India, he said, "India is showing great potential as an emerging beer market, with 27% growth in 2006-07 and with growing lifestyle spends witnessed in the country, the Indian story has never been more promosing."

SABMiller India had earlier announced an investment of US $100 million per year for the Indian market.

The company has appointed Ari Mervis, currently working as managing director in Australia, as the managing director for Sabmiller Asia.

Sabmiller India is the Indian arm of SABmiller Plc, one of the largest brewers in the world. With a market share of around 35%, SABMiller India is one of the largest player in the country's beer market.

From the August 13, 2007, Prepared Foods e-Flash