The Da Nang authorities on Wednesday denied that one of the most popular beer brands in the city has been sold to China, a rumour having made local consumers turn their back on the product.

Rumours have been swirling lately that Larue, the favourite brand of beer lovers in Da Nang and other nearby localities, had been acquired by a Chinese investor.

The false report has indeed reduced consumption of Larue in the city and neighboring markets, as consumers “dislike” the supposed sale, Kha said, apparently referring to disapproval of Chinese-related products by Vietnamese.

Larue was first brewed in 1909 by Victor Larue, a Frenchman, and is now owned by the Vietnam Brewery Co. Ltd.

Although the brewery is based in Ho Chi Minh City, Larue beer is particularly favoured in Da Nang.

But the most popular beer brand in central Viet Nam is Huda, which is brewed and bottled in Hue, around 100km from Da Nang, by Habeco, which is 17.5 percent owned by Danish brewer Carlsberg.

(Source: Tuoitrenews)