Carlos Guillermo Leon, administrative vice president of Grupo Leon Jimenes, manufacturer of Presidente Beer and Marlboro cigarettes in the DR, said that the company has postponed expansion plans for Presidente Beer for the time being. He said due to the economic reforms implemented by the government in January, beer sales have been down in the first five weeks of the year. The company is now adjusting its sales projections for the Dominican market. He said, nevertheless, that they will strengthen their export efforts. In an interview for Listin Diario, Leon said, "Pessimism is a luxury we cannot afford at this time." He spoke while participating in the business seminar fostered by the US Embassy in Casa de Campo over the weekend.
