Dutch brewing company Heineken has acquired a significant stake in Biela Ecuador from a group of local investors.

Heineken Americas president Marc Busain said: “We are pleased to announce our investment in Ecuador. With its favourable demographics, flourishing tourism industry and GDP growth, it offers a lot of potential to grow our premium offering, led by the Heineken brand.

“With its favourable demographics, flourishing tourism industry and GDP growth, it offers a lot of potential to grow our premium offering, led by the Heineken brand.”

“We are excited to grow our business in Ecuador in close collaboration with our new partners.”

Located in Guayaquil, Biela brewery manufactures beer products. The Ecuadorian firm is said to have strengthened its position in the market with the re-launch of its Biela brand.

Biela Ecuador CEO Luis Enrique Landinez said: “We are very pleased to have completed this alliance with Heineken, which is good news for Ecuador and its consumers, who will have a wider and better choice of beer products.

“The successful re-launch of the Biela brand, its current recognition in the market, and the favourable investment environment generated by the Ecuadorian Government have successfully drawn Heineken into Ecuador.”

With the acquisition, Heineken has plans to market Biela and its premium and international brands portfolio in Ecuador. In the future, the Dutch brewer will explore options to brew Heineken beer locally.

Last month, Heineken opened its first brewery in the district of Maputo, Mozambique.