Biz File

Beer sales turn bullish
With a 59 per cent spurt in sales during 1997-98, the Shaw Wallace and Company claims that it has acquired a 22 per cent share of the country8217;s 62-million case per annum beer market. Against an industry growth of 8 per cent during the last four years, Shaw Wallace8217;s growth rate of 38 per cent has made it the fastest growing beer company in India, according to a company press release. The sales have moved up to from 3.9 million cases in 1993-94 to 13.5 million cases in 1997-98, raising the company8217;s market share from merely 8 per cent to 22 per cent over four years. The company8217;s Haywards 2000 and Haywards 5000, besides Royal Challenge Premium Lager, have also shown a growth rate of over 40 per cent per annum, the release added.

VISA enters new strategic alliance
Visa International, engaged in the business of Visa card sales, has entered into a strategic alliance with India8217;s leading consumer payment processing service company, Equifax Venture Indotek to enhance the growth and development of India8217;s payment card industry. The company claims that the agreement would enable payment card transactions to be safer and quicker.