To: Sr. Mauricio Luchetti, Director of Human Resources, AmBev

Dr. Jorge Battle

Date February 17, 2003

Our reference PF.PA.001a

Subject Norteña brewery

Dear Sir,

The International Union of Food (IUF) recently informed us of the decision of the general management of the AmBev group to close the Norteña brewery in Paysandú, Uruguay, which the group acquired only in the year 2000.

In the name of FNV Bondgenoten, a Dutch trade union which represent 500.000 workers in Holland, we strongly protest this decision that would cost the jobs of some 200 employees of this brewery.  This decision would also strike a new blow in a region where unemployment is already 22%, and would certainly have negative consequences for the economy of the region as a whole.

We therefore urgently ask you to reconsider this decision and to find a solution that permits continued activity at the Norteña site.

FNV Bondgenoten is giving full support to the struggle of the workers of Norteña and of their union: the Sindicato de Obreros y Empleados de Norteña.

Yours faithfully,

Paul Andela

International Secretary