[Malaysia] Bottles Do Better Than Drinks

Slow drinks sales in Malaysia hurt third quarter financial results at the Asian group Fraser & Neave, which owns glass container plants in Malaysia; Thailand; Vietnam; and China. Strong glass container sales in China helped to offset partly the Malaysian problems. The company's revenue fell 6% following a 17% fall in drinks sales. The company blames price rises and inflationary pressures for limiting consumer demand for its soft drinks. It is investing in promotional campaigns to improve sales in its final financial quarter. Glass container sales rose 13% in the third quarter and have risen by 7% in the year to-date. In China they grew 29% in the third quarter.