SMB continues to brew steady growth 18 years after spin-off

Insider Spotlight

• San Miguel Brewery celebrates 18 years since its 2007 spin-off
• Move unlocked the true value of SMC’s beer business, says Ramon S. Ang
• SMB now carries 14 popular brands and leads in Asia-Pacific expansion
  

Eighteen years ago, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) made a decisive move that reshaped its brewing legacy—spinning off its domestic beer division into San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB), a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated on July 26, 2007. The transfer officially took effect on Oct. 1, 2007, marking the start of a new era for the country’s leading brewer.

The big picture

The spin-off was a strategic step to unlock the true value of SMC’s flagship beer business. By establishing SMB as a standalone entity, SMC aimed to sharpen its focus and strengthen its core operations.

SMC president and COO at the time, Ramon S. Ang—now chair and CEO—called the move transformational:

“It’s the right move and in terms of beer, the spin-off or the carve-out is going to show the real value of the business.”

Growth on tap

By May 2008, SMB was listed on the stock exchange, signaling investor confidence and paving the way for expansion. 

The momentum continued in 2010, when SMB acquired San Miguel Brewing International Ltd. (SMBIL), completing the integration of its domestic and international beer operations.

The acquisition positioned SMB to champion the iconic San Miguel brand across the Asia-Pacific region, combining local heritage with global reach.

In 2013, San Miguel Brewery Inc. voluntarily delisted from the Philippines Stock Exchange (PSE). As a privately held company, SMB has shown sustained growth in revenues while maintaining dominance in market share in terms of volume and sales. 

Today’s lineup

SMB remains the home of San Miguel Pale Pilsen, the 135-year-old brew that started it all. The company’s portfolio has grown to include 14 well-loved brands, among them Red Horse Beer, San Mig Light, San Miguel Flavored Beer, Gold Eagle Beer, and San Mig Zero.

As SMB raises a toast to its 18th anniversary, the brewery continues to embody the strength, innovation, and enduring legacy of the San Miguel name—a testament to the success of a strategic move made nearly two decades ago.  —Ed: Ramon C. Nocon