Chambly, March 9, 2001 -- For the year ending December 31, 2000, company revenues were 8.7% lower than those of the previous year, going from $23,439,244 to $21,397,029.

However, taking into account the sale of the Fourquet Fourchette subsidiary in June 2000, the net decrease in brewery activities was $1,353,241, or 5.8%.

This reduction, coupled with a slightly lower profit margin due to very aggressive competition, resulted in a 54.5% drop in the company's net profit, in spite of a tight management of operating costs. The per-share profit, which was $0.18 in 1999, fell to $0.08 in 2000.

The total number of hectolitres sold was down by 4.2%, going from 66,270 in 1999 to 63,483 in 2000. On the bright side, foreign sales grew by 4.8% overall, with particularly good results in the United States (29.1% increase). For the first time in its brief history, Unibroue experienced a drop in overall Quebec sales (9.1%).

"In 1999 the major breweries started distributing imported beers to expand their activity sector, since then the space allotted to our products has been reduced and sometimes completely eliminated in certain chain stores, as well as many beer-drinking establishments" says Unibroue President André Dion.

"These 'product exclusivity' tactics and the purchase of in-store space have led to the removal of our products" concludes Mr. Dion.

Following a complaint lodged with the Competition Board by the microbreweries last August, the Commissioner ordered an inquiry into the practices of selling and distributing beer in Quebec. Acting on a request by the Board Commissioner, on December 21, 2000, the Quebec Superior Court issued an order by virtue of the law on competition requiring that Molson Canada, Les Brasseries Labatt Ltée, other beer makers and the major food store chains produce information and documents under oath.

"Strangely enough, remarks Mr. Dion, since this date our sales have increased by 15.6%." Fortunately, consumers, who have been complaining for the past several months about not being able to find our beers, will once again have the last word.

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