Slowing Economy Affects Chilean Alcohol Sales

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Chilean beverage firm Compañía Cervecerías Unidas (CCU) has reported mixed sales figures for 2008. The firm, which operates principally in Chile and Argentina, reported sales growth in the beer category in both countries, but reported lacklustre wine sales in both markets. During the year CCU's wine division was also hit by the volatility of the Chilean and Argentine currencies. However, in this respect there were signs of improvement in the fourth quarter, when both currencies