Namibia Breweries were undergoing chops and changes until the new joint venture with Heineken and Diageo kicks off in July. Announcing the interim financial results, the new and self-confident CEO, Marcus von Blottnitz said the FIFO policy would apply for staff: "Fit in or f**k off!" he said at a breakfast meeting in Windhoek on Wednesday. Presently 80 experts from the 2 new joint venture partners were at NamBrew to assist with the transformation process, during which each department was looked at with regard to efficiency and best practices. Strong marketing drives were a key element in the near future to expand markets in SADC and in Angola. Namibia breweries exports to 25 countries, von Blottnitz said. By mid-year the brewing of Heineken beer would start coming to 160 000 hectolitres per annum.

Net profit stood at N$ 49 million after taxation and an 11-cent dividend per ordinary share was declared. Beer sales increased by 21.7% to N$ 786,1 million, while sales of soft drinks declined by 40% or N$ 119 million. Some 1,25 million hectolitres of beer were sold during the period under review, a 4% increase to January 2003.