Overview: Dagon beer, owned by the Myanmar Economic Corporation, received quality awards in June at a ceremony hosted by a Belgian company within the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. This event took place despite the subsidiary being under European sanctions and following a ban by opposition groups after the February 1, 2021 coup.
The Full Story
Dagon beer received ‘quality awards’ in June at events held in the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, hosted for the occasion by a Belgian company. The ceremony occurred beneath gilded ceilings where French diplomats were still calling for the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and an end to the bombing of civilians.
Owned by Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), a conglomerate controlled by the military junta, the brand is currently under European sanctions. One of the first actions taken by opponents of Myanmar’s military junta after the February 1, 2021 coup was to ban Dagon beer. Militias belonging to the Kachin Independence Organization even decided to destroy all stocks and search vehicles in the region to ensure this beer was not sold clandestinely. The Myanmar regime responded by requiring all bars under its administration to serve Dagon, even threatening those who failed to stock it with reprisals.
Brand & Industry History
Following the February 1, 2021 coup, Dagon beer became a symbol of allegiance to the regime while simultaneously becoming a target for opposition groups. The brand is owned by Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC), a conglomerate controlled by the military junta, and its subsidiary is currently under European sanctions. Militias belonging to the Kachin Independence Organization decided to destroy all stocks and search vehicles in the region to ensure this beer was not sold clandestinely.
What This Means
The presentation of awards in these very reception rooms created a stark contrast to the diplomatic stance held by French officials in recent months. While diplomats were still calling for the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and an end to the bombing of civilians, employees of an MEC subsidiary received recognition to the applause of several hundred participants.
Consumer Takeaway
This news highlights the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding a beverage consumed in Myanmar, where it serves as a symbol of allegiance to the military junta. For consumers aware of the situation, the product represents a contested item banned by opposition groups and forced upon bars under administration following the coup.
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