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Summary of significant accounting policies | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Disclosure of significant accounting policies [text block] | Note 2 Summary of significant accounting policies Significant accounting policies adopted for the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are described below:
| 2.1 | Basis of preparation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB), which have been applied consistently in the years presented. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical basis, as modified by the subsequent valuation of financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value. The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires that management uses its professional judgment in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. See Note 3 for disclosure of significant accounting estimates and judgments. All IFRS standards, amendments and enhancements whose adoption was required by January 1, 2017, have been adopted by the Company, without significant impacts on the financial statements as of December 31, 2017. At the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements the following Standards, Amendments, Improvements and Interpretations to existing IFRS standards have been published to existing standards that have not taken effect and that the Company has not adopted in advance or when applied corresponds. These standards are required to be applied by the following dates:
New Standards, Improvements, Amendments and Interpretations |  | Mandatory for years beginning in:
Amendments to IFRS 2 |  | Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions. |  | January, 1, 2018
IFRIC Interpretation 22 |  | Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration. |  | January, 1, 2018
Amendments to IAS 40 |  | Transfers of Investment Property. |  | January, 1, 2018
Improvement to IAS 28 |  | Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures: Measuring an associate or joint venture at fair value. |  | January, 1, 2018
IFRS 9 |  | Financial Instruments. |  | January, 1, 2018
IFRS 15 |  | Revenue fro Contracts with Customers. |  | January, 1, 2018
Amendments to IFRS 15 |  | Clarifications to IFRS 15 Revenue fro Contracts with Customers. |  | January, 1, 2018
IFRS 16 |  | Leases. |  | January, 1, 2019
IFRC 23 |  | Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments. |  | January, 1, 2019
Amendments to IFRS 9 |  | Financial Instruments. |  | January, 1, 2019
Amendments to IAS 28 |  | Investment in Associates and Joint Ventures |  | January, 1, 2019
Amendments to IFRS 3 |  | Business combination. |  | January, 1, 2019
Amendments to IFRS 11 |  | Joint arrangements. |  | January, 1, 2019
Amendments to IAS 12 |  | Income taxes. |  | January, 1, 2019
Amendments to IAS 23 |  | Borrowing costs. |  | January, 1, 2019
The Company estimates the adoption of these new Standards, Improvements, Amendments and Interpretations mentioned in the table above will not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements upon initial application, except by the application of IFRS 9, IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 which is described as follows how this affect to the Company:
| - | In relation with IFRS 9, the Company has made an evaluation of its impacts which included the determination of gaps between criteria of classification and measurement of financial instruments with respect to the criteria currently used and the determination of the impact of moving to a model of expected losses to determine the impairment of its financial assets.
Based on the evaluation performed it has been determined there are no significant changes that affect the classification and measurement of its financial assets after applying IFRS 9. Nor have impacts on accounting policies been identified for financial liabilities, since the new requirements only affect accounting for liabilities that are designated at fair value through profit or loss, over which the Company, as of December 31, 2017 does not have, nor have there been any debt renegotiations that could be affected by the new clarifications regarding the accounting treatment regarding modification of liabilities. In relation to the new impairment model, the standard requires the recognition of impairment losses based on expected credit losses (PCE) instead of only credit losses incurred as indicated in IAS 39. Based on the evaluations performed on Trade and other accounts receivable as of December 31, 2017, the Company has estimated that there is no significant impact on the determination of the provision for impairment losses, but the accounting policy will be modified. The date of adoption of this new standard is mandatory as of January 1, 2018. The Company will apply this standard prospectively, using the practical resources allowed by the standard and given that the effects are not significant, the comparative balances for the year 2017 will not be restated.
| - | In relation with IFRS 15, the basic principle of IFRS 15 is an entity recognizes income from ordinary activities, in a way that represents the transfer of goods or services committed to customers, in exchange for an amount that reflects the compensation, in which the entity, expects to have entitled in change these goods or services. An entity shall recognize revenue from ordinary activities in accordance with that basic principle by applying the following 5 steps which are:
Step 1 – Identify the contract (or contracts) with the customer. Step 2 - Identify performance obligations in the contract. Step 3 - Determine the price of the transaction. Step 4 - Assign the price of the transaction between performance obligations. Step 5 - Recognize income from ordinary activities when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company has carried out an evaluation of the 5 steps indicated above and no new performance obligations have been identified or different from those already presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements and additionally has determined there are no significant changes in the recognition of income, since these are recorded to the extent that it is likely the economic benefits flow to the Company and can be measured reliably, with determined prices that are measured at the fair value of the economic benefits received or to be received, once the performance obligation is satisfied and income is presented net of valued added tax, specific taxes, returns, discounts and rappel. The date of adoption of this new standard is mandatory as of January 1, 2018. The Company will apply this standard prospectively, using the practical resources allowed by the standard and given that the effects are not significant, the comparative balances for the year 2017 will not be restated.
| - | IFRS 16 about leases requires that the lease contracts currently classified as operational, with maturities greater than 12 months, have an accounting treatment similar to financial leases. In general terms, this means that an asset must be recognized for the right to use the assets subject to operational lease contracts and a liability, equivalent to the present value of the payments associated with the contract. As for the effects on the result, the monthly lease payments will be replaced by the depreciation of the asset and the recognition of a financial expense.
At the date of issuance of these Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this leasing standard, including the effects it may have on covenants and other financial indicators.
2.2 | Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are entities over which the Company has power to direct their financial and operating policies, which generally is the result of ownership of more than half of the voting rights. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control was obtained by the Company, and are excluded from consolidation as of the date the Company loses such control. The acquisition method is used for the accounting of acquisition of subsidiaries. The acquisition cost is the fair value of the assets delivered, of the equity instruments issued and of the liabilities incurred or assumed as of the exchange date. The identifiable assets acquired, as well as the identifiable liabilities and contingencies assumed in a business combination are initially valued at their fair value on the acquisition date, regardless the scope of minority interests. Goodwill is initially measured as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the fair value of non-controlling interest over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognized as income. Joint operations As explained in Note 1, for the joint arrangements that qualify as joint operations, the Company recognizes its share of the assets, liabilities and income in respect to its interest in the joint operations in accordance with IFRS 11. Intercompany transaction Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains from transactions between the Company’s entities are eliminated in consolidation. Unrealized losses are also eliminated, unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Whenever necessary, the accounting policies of subsidiaries are amended to ensure uniformity with the policies adopted by the Company. Non-controlling Interest Non-controlling interest is presented in the Equity section of the Consolidated Stament of Financial Position. The net income attributable to equity holder of the parent and non-controlling interest are each disclosed separately in the Consolidated Statement of Income after net income. Investments accounted for using the equity method Joint ventures and associates The Company maintains investments in joint arrangements that qualify as joint ventures, which correspond to a contractual agreement by which two or more parties carry out an economic activity that is subject to joint control, and normally involves the establishment of a separate entity in which each party has a share based on a shareholders’ agreement. In addition, the Company maintains investments in associates which are defined as entities in which the investor does not have significant influence and are not a subsidiary or a joint venture. The Company accounts for its participation in joint arrangements that qualify as joint ventures and in associates using the equity method. The financial statements of the joint venture are prepared for the same year, under accounting policies consistent with those of the Company. Adjustments are made to agree any difference in accounting policies that may exist with the Company’s accounting policies. Whenever the Company contributes or sells assets to companies under joint control or associates, any income or loss arising from the transaction is recognized based on how the asset is realized. When the Company purchases assets from those companies, it does not recognize its share in the income or loss of the joint venture in respect to such transaction until the asset is sold or realized.
2.3 | Financial information as per operating segments
The Company has defined three operating segments which are essentially defined with respect to its revenues in the geographic areas of commercial activity: 1.- Chile, 2.- International business and 3.- Wine. These operating segments mentioned are consistent with the way the Company is managed and how results will be reported by CCU. These segments reflect separate operating results which are regularly reviewed by chief operating decision maker in order to make decisions about the resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance (See Note 6). The segments performance is measured according to several indicators, of which OR (Adjust Operating Result), OR before Exceptional Items (EI), ORBDA (Adjust Operating Result Before Depreciation and Amortization), ORBDA before EI, ORBDA margin (ORBDA’s % of total revenues for the operating segment), the volumes and Net sales. Sales between segments are conducted using terms and conditions at current market rates. The Company defined the Adjusted Operating Result as the Net incomes (losses) before Other gains (losses), Net financial cost, Equity and income from joint ventures and associates, Foreign currency exchange differences, Results as per adjustment units and Income tax, and the ORBDA, for the Company purposes, is defined as Adjusted Operating Result before Depreciation and Amortization. MSD&;A, included Marketing, Selling, Distribution and Administrative expenses. Corporate revenues and expenses are presented separately within the other.
| 2.4 | Foreign currency and unidad de fomento (Adjustment unit)
Presentation and functional currency The Company uses the Chilean peso (Ch$ or CLP) as its functional currency and for the presentation of its financial statements. The functional currency has been determined considering the economic environment in which the Company carries out its operations and the currency in which the main cash flows are generated. The functional currency of the Argentinian, Uruguayan and Paraguayan subsidiaries is the Argentine peso, Uruguayan Peso and Paraguayan guarani, respectively. The functional currency of the joint venture and associates in Colombia and Bolivia are the Colombian peso and Bolivian peso, respectively. Transactions and balances Transactions in foreign currencies and adjustment units (“Unidad de Fomento” or “UF”) are initially recorded at the exchange rate of the corresponding currency or adjustment unit as of the date on which the transaction occurs. The Unidad de Fomento (UF) is a Chilean inflation-indexed peso-denominated monetary unit. The UF rate is set daily in advance based on changes in the previous month’s inflation rate. At the close of each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and adjustment units are translated into Chilean pesos at the exchange rate of the corresponding currency or adjustment unit. The exchange difference arising, both from the liquidation of foreign currency transactions, as well as from the valuation of foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities, is included in statement of income, in Foreign currency exchange differences, while the difference arising from the changes in adjustment units are recorded in the statement of income as Result as per adjustment units. For consolidation purposes, the assets and liabilities of the subsidiaries whose functional currency is different from the Chilean peso are translated into Chilean pesos by using the exchange rates valid as of the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the exchange differences originated by the translation of the assets and liabilities are recorded in Equity Reserve, under the Currency Translation Reserves item. The income and expense are translated at the monthly average exchange rate for the corresponding terms as differences since there have not been significant fluctuations in the exchange rates during each month. The exchange rates of the primary foreign currencies and adjustment units used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are detailed as follows:
Chilan Pesos as pero unit of foreign currency or adjustable unit |  | As of December 31, 2017 |  | As of December 31, 2016 |  | As of December 31, 2015 |
|  |  |  | Ch$ |  | Ch$ |  | Ch$ |
Foreign currencies |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
US Dollar |  | USD |  |  | 614.75 |  |  | 669.47 |  |  | 710.16 |
Euros |  | EUR |  |  | 739.15 |  |  | 705.60 |  |  | 774.61 |
Argentine Peso |  | ARS |  |  | 32.96 |  |  | 42.13 |  |  | 54.46 |
Uruguayan Peso |  | UYU |  |  | 21.34 |  |  | 22.82 |  |  | 23.71 |
Canadian Dollar |  | CAD |  |  | 491.05 |  |  | 498.38 |  |  | 511.50 |
Sterling Pound |  | GBP |  |  | 832.09 |  |  | 826.10 |  |  | 1,053.02 |
Paraguayan Guarani |  | PYG |  |  | 0.11 |  |  | 0.12 |  |  | 0.12 |
Bolivians |  | BS |  |  | 89.61 |  |  | 97.59 |  |  | 103.67 |
Colombian Peso |  | COP |  |  | 0.21 |  |  | 0.22 |  |  | 0.22 |
Adjustment Units |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unidad de fomento (*) |  | UF |  |  | 26,798.14 |  |  | 26,347.98 |  |  | 25,629.09 |
(*) The Unidad de Fomento (UF) is a Chilean inflation-indexed, peso-denominated monetary unit. The UF rate is set daily in advance based on changes in the previous month´s inflation rate.
| 2.5 | Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes available cash, bank balances, time deposits at financial entities, investments in mutual funds and financial instruments acquired under resale agreements, as well as highly liquid short-term investments, all at a fixed interest rate, normally with original maturity of up to three months.
| 2.6 | Other financial assets
Other financial assets include money market securities, derivative contracts and time deposits at financial entities maturing in more than 90 days.
| 2.7 | Financial instruments
Financial assets The Company recognizes a financial asset in its Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as follows: As of the date of initial recognition, management classifies its financial assets: (i) at fair value through profit and loss (ii) Trade and other current receivables and (iii) hedging derivatives. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. For instruments not classified at fair value through Income, any cost attributable to the transaction is recognized as part of the asset’s value. The fair value of instruments that are actively traded in formal markets is determined by the traded price on the financial statement closing date. For investments without an active market, fair value is determined using valuation techniques including (i) the use of recent market transactions, (ii) references to the current market value of another financial instrument of similar characteristics, (iii) discounted cash flows and (iv) other valuation models. After initial recognition, the Company values the financial assets as described below: Trade and other current receivables Trade receivable credits or accounts are recognized according to their invoice value. The Company purchases credit insurance covering approximately 90% and 99% of individually significant accounts receivable balances for the domestic market and the international market, of total trade receivable, respectively, net of a 10% deductible. An impairment of accounts receivable balances is recorded when there is an objective evidence that the Company not will be capable to collect amounts according to the original terms. Some indicators that an account receivable has impairment are the financial problems, initiation of a bankruptcy, financial restructuring and age of the balances of our customers. Estimated losses from bad debts are determined by applying different percentages, taking into account maturity factors, until reaching 100% of the balance in most of the debts older than 180 days, with the exception of those cases that in accordance with current policies, losses are estimated due to partial deterioration based on a case by case analysis. Impairment losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statemet of Income in the period incurred. Current trade receivable credits and accounts are initially recognized at their nominal value and are not discounted because they do not differ significantly from their fair value. The Company has determined that the calculation of the amortized cost is not materially different from the invoiced amount because the transactions do not have significant associated costs. Financial liabilities The Company recognizes a financial liability in its Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as follows: Interest-bearing loans and financial obligations Interest-bearing loans and financial obligations are initially recognized at the fair value of the resources obtained, less incurred costs that are directly attributable to the transaction. After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and obligations are measured at amortized cost. The difference between the net amount received and the value to be paid is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income over the term of the loan, using the effective interest rate method. Interest paid and accrued related to loans and obligations used to finance its operations are presented under finance costs. Interest-bearing loans and obligations maturing within twelve months are classified as current liabilities, unless the Company has the unconditional right to defer payment of the obligation for at least a twelve months after the closing date of the Consolidated Financial Statement. Trade and other payables Trade and other payables are initially recognized at nominal value because they do not differ significantly from their fair value. The Company has determined that no significant differences exist between the carrying value and amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Derivative Instruments All derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value as of the date of the derivative contract and subsequently re-measured at their fair value. Gains and losses resulting from fair value measurement are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income as gains or losses due to fair value of financial instruments, unless the derivative instrument is designated as a hedging instrument. Financial Instruments at fair value through profit and loss include financial assets classified as held for trading and financial assets which have been designated as such by the Company. Financial assets are classified as held for trading when acquired for the purpose of selling them in the short term. The fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting is immediately recognized in the consolidated statement of income under Other gains (losses). The fair value of these derivatives is recorded under Other financial assets y Other financial liabilities. Derivative instruments are classified as held for trading unless they are classified as hedge instruments. Derivative instruments classified as hedges are accounted for as cash flow hedges. In order to classify a derivative as a hedging instrument for accounting purposes, the Company documents (i) as of the transaction date or at designation time, the relationship or correlation between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, as well as the risk management purposes and strategies, (ii) the assessment, both at designation date as well as on a continuing basis, whether the derivative instrument used in the hedging is highly transaction effective to offset changes in inception cash flows of the hedged item. A hedge is considered effective when changes in the cash flows of the underlying directly attributable to the risk hedged are offset with the changes in fair value, or in the cash flows of the hedging instrument with effectiveness between 80% to 125%. The total fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as assets or financial liabilities in Other non-current if the maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months and as other assets or current liabilities if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. The ineffective portion of these instruments can be viewed in Other gains (losses) of the Consolidated Statements of Income. The effective portion of the change in the fair value of derivative instruments that are designated and qualified as cash flow hedges are initially recognized in Cash Flow Hedge Reserve in a separate component of Equity. The income or loss related to the ineffective portion is immediately recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The amounts accumulated in Equity are reclassified in Income during the same period in which the corresponding hedged item is reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Income. When a cash flow hedge ceases to comply with the hedge accounting criteria, any accumulated income or loss existing in Equity remains in Equity and is recognized when the expected transaction is finally recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. When it is estimated that an expected transaction will not occur, the accumulated gain or loss recorded in Equity is immediately recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Deposits for returns of bottles and containers Deposits for returns of bottles and containers corresponds to the liabilities registered by the guarantees of money received from customers for bottles and containers placed at their disposal and represents the value that will be returned to the customer when it returns the bottles to the Company in good condition along with the original invoice. This value is determined by the estimation of the bottles and containers in circulation that are expected to be returned to the Company in the course of time based on the historic experience, physical counts held by clients and independent studies over the quantities that are in the hands of end consumers, valued at the average weighted guarantees for each type of bottles and containers. The Company does not intend to make significant repayment of these deposits within the next 12 months. Such amounts are classified within current liabilities, under the line Other financial liabilities, since the Company does not have the legal ability to defer this payment for a period exceeding 12 months. This liability is not discounted, since it is considered a payable on demand, with the original invoice and the return of the respective bottles and containers and it does not have adjustability or interest clauses of any kind in its origin.
| 2.8 | Financial asset impairment
As of each financial statement date the Company assesses whether a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. The Company assesses impairment of accounts receivable collectively by grouping the financial assets according to similar risk characteristics, which indicate the debtor’s capacity to comply with their obligations under the agreed upon conditions. When there is objective evidence that a loss due to impairment has been incurred in the accounts receivable, the loss amount is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income, as Administrative expenses. If the impairment loss amount decreases during subsequent periods and such decrease can be objectively related to an event occurred after recognition of the impairment, the previously recognized impairment loss is reversed. Any subsequent impairment reversal is recognized in Income provided that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its value as of the date the impairment was recognized.
2.9 | Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost acquisition or production cost and net realizable value. The production cost of finished products and of products under processing includes raw material, direct labor, indirect manufacturing expenses based on a normal operational capacity and other costs incurred to place the products at the locations and in the conditions necessary for sale, net of discounts attributable to inventories. The net realizable value is the estimated sale price in the normal course of business, less marketing and distribution expenses. When market conditions cause the production cost to be higher than its net realizable value, an allowance for assets deterioration is registered for the difference in value. This allowance for inventory deterioration also includes amounts related to obsolete items due to low turnover, technical obsolescence and products withdrawn from the market. The inventories and cost of products sold, is determined using the Weighted Average Cost (WAC). The Company estimates that most of the inventories have a high turnover. The materials and raw materials purchased from third parties are valued at their acquisition cost; once used, they are incorporated in finished products using the WAC methodology.
2.10 | Current biological assets
Under current Biological assets, the Company includes the costs associated with agricultural activities (grapes), which are capitalized up to the harvesting date, when they become part of the inventory cost for subsequent processes. The Company considers that the costs associated with agricultural activities represent a reasonable approximation to their fair value.
2.11 | Other non-financial assets
Other non-financial assets mainly includes prepayments associated with advertising related to contracts regarding the making of commercials which are work in progress and have not yet been shown (current and non-current), payments to insurances and advances to suppliers in relation with certain purchases of property, plant and equipment. Additionally it includes disbursements related to tax payments to be recovered from subsidiaries in Argentina, paid guarantees related with leases and materials to be consumed related to industrial safety implements.
2.12 | Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment items are recorded at their historic cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost includes both disbursements directly attributable to the asset acquisition or construction, as well as the financing interest directly related to certain qualified assets, which are capitalized during the construction or acquisition period, as long as these assets qualify for these purposes considering the period necessary to complete and prepare the assets to be operative. Disbursements after the purchase or acquisition are only capitalized when it is likely that the future economic benefits associated to the investment will flow to the Company, and costs may be reasonably measured. Subsequent disbursements related to repairs and maintenance are recorded as expenses when incurred. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment items, including assets under financial lease, is calculated on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment items, taking into account their estimated residual value. When an asset is formed by significant components with different useful lives, each part is separately depreciated. Property, plant and equipment useful lives and residual values estimates are reviewed and adjusted at each financial statement closing date, if necessary. The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are detailed as follows:
Type of Assets |  | Number of years
Land |  | Indefinite
Buildings and Constructions |  | 20 to 60
Machinery and equipment |  | 10 to 25
Fumiture and accesories |  | 5 to 10
Other equipment (coolers and mayolicas) |  | 5 to 8
Glass containers, and plastic containers |  | 3 to 12
Vines in production |  | 30
Gains and losses resulting from the sale of properties, plants and equipment are calculated comparing their book values against the related sales proceeds and are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Biological assets held by Viña San Pedro Tarapacá S.A. (VSPT) and its subsidiaries consist of vines in formation and in production. Harvested grapes are used for subsequent wine production. Vines under production are valued at the historic cost, less depreciation and any impairment loss. Depreciation of vines in production is recorded using the straight-line method over the 30-year estimated average production life, which is periodically assessed. Vines in formation are not depreciated until they start producing. Costs incurred in acquiring and planting new vines are capitalized. When the carrying amount of a property, plant and equipment item exceeds its recoverable value, it is immediately written down to its recoverable amount (See Note 2, 2.17).
2.13 | Leases
Lease agreements are classified as finance leases when the agreement transfers to the Company substantially all the risks and rewards inherent to ownership of the asset, in accordance with IAS 17 “Leases”. For agreements that qualify as finance leases, and an asset and a liability are recognized as of the inception date for a value equivalent to the fair value of the leased asset or the present value of future lease payments, whichever is lower. Subsequently, lease payments are allocated between the finance cost and reduction of the obligation, in order to obtain a constant interest rate on the balance of the obligation. Lease agreements that do not qualify as finance leases are classified as operating leases. Operating lease payments are charged to income using the straight-line method over the term of the lease.
2.14 | Investment property
Investment property consist of land and buildings held by the Company for the purpose of generating appreciation and not to be used in the normal course of business, and are recorded at historical cost less any impairment loss. Depreciation of investment property, excluding land, is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset, taking into account their estimated residual value.
2.15 | Intangible assets other than goodwill
Commercial trademarks The Company’s commercial trademarks are intangible assets with indefinite useful lives that are presented at historical cost, less any impairment loss. The Company believes that through investing in marketing, trademarks maintain their value, consequently they are considered as having indefinite useful lives and they are not amortizable. These assets are tested for impairment on a yearly basis, or when existing factors indicate a likely loss of value (Note, 2.17). Software program Software program licenses are capitalized at the value of the costs incurred in their acquisition and in preparing the software for use. Such costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives (4 to 7 years). The maintenance costs of software programs are recognized as an expense in the year in which they are incurred. Water rights Water rights acquired by the Company correspond to the right to use existing water from natural sources, and are recorded at their attributed cost as of the date of transition to IFRS. Since such rights are perpetual they are not amortizable, however they are tested for impairment annually, or when factors exist that indicate a likely loss of value (See Note 2.17). Distribution rights Corresponds to rights acquired to distribute different products. These rights are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Research and development Research and development expenses are recognized in the period incurred.
2.16 | Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred the amount of any non-controlling interes in the acquiree and the acquisition date fair vale of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the net idetificable assets acquiree, and is accounted for at its cost value less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill related to joint venture acquisitions is included in the investment accounting value. For the purposes of impairment tests, goodwill is assigned Cash Generating Units (CGU) that is expected to benefit from the synergies of a business combination. Each unit or group of units (CGU - See Note 18) represents the lowest level inside the Company at which goodwill is monitored for internal administration purposes, which is not larger than a business segment. The cash generating units to which the goodwill is assigned are tested for impairment annually or with a higher frequency, when there are signs indicating that a cash generating unit could experience impairment or some of the significant market conditions have changed. Goodwill in the acquisition of joint ventures is assessed for impairment as part of the investment, provided that there are indications that the investment may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable value, which is the fair value of the cash generating unit, less selling costs or its value in use, whichever is higher. An impairment loss is first allocated to goodwill to reduce its carrying amount, and then to other assets in the cash generating unit. Once recognized, impairment losses are not reversed in following years.
2.17 | Impairment of non-financial assets other than goodwill
The Company annually assesses the existence of non-financial asset impairment indicators. When indicators exist, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the impaired asset. If it cannot estimate the recoverable amount of the impaired asset at an individual level, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs. For intangible assets with indefinite useful lives which are not amortized, the Company performs all required testing to ensure that the carrying amount does not exceed the recoverable value. The recoverable value is defined as the fair value, less selling cost or value in use, whichever is higher. Value in use is determined by estimating future cash flows associated to the asset or to the cash generating unit, discounted from its current value by using interest rates before taxes, which reflect the time value of money and the specific risks of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the Company records an impairment loss in the Statement of Income. For the rest of non-financial assets other than goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful lives, the Company assesses the existence of impairment indicators when an event or change in business circumstances indicates that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable and impairment is recognized when the carrying amount is higher than the recoverable value. The Company annually assesses whether the impairment indicators of non-financial assets for which impairment losses were recorded during prior years have disappeared or decreased. In the event of such situation, the recoverable amount of the specific asset is recalculated and its carrying amount is increased, if necessary. Such increase is recognized in the Statement of Income as reversal of impairment losses. The increase in the value of the previously impaired asset is recognized only when it is originated by changes in the assumptions used to calculate the recoverable amount. The increase in the asset due to reversal of the impairment loss is limited to the amount that would have been recorded had the impairment not occurred.
2.18 | Non-current assets of disposal groups classified as held for sale
The Company register as non-current assets of disposal groups classified as held for sale as Property, plant and equipment expected to be sale, for which active sale negotiations have begun. These assets are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and the estimated fair value, less selling costs. From the moment in which the assets are classified as non-current assets of disposal group classified held for sale they are no longer depreciated.
2.19 | Income taxes
The income tax account is composed of current income tax associated to legal income tax obligations and deferred taxes recognized in accordance with IAS 12. Income tax is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income by Function, except when it is related to items recorded directly in Equity, in which case the tax effect is also recognized in Equity. Income Tax Obligation Income tax obligations are recognized in the financial statements on the basis of the best estimates of taxable profits as of the financial statement closing date, and the income tax rate valid as of that date in the countries where the Company operates. Deferred Tax Deferred taxes are those the Company expects to pay or to recover in the future, due to temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities (carrying amount for financial reporting purposes) and the corresponding tax basis of such assets and liabilities used to determine the profits subject to taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are generally recognized for all temporary differences, and they are calculated at the rates that will be valid on the date the liabilities are paid or the assets realized. Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences arising from investments in subsidiaries and associates, except in cases where the Company is able to control the date on which temporary differences will be reversed, and it is likely that they will not be reverted in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets, including those arising from tax losses are recognized provided it is likely that in the future there will be taxable profits against which deductible temporary differences can be offset. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legal right to offset tax assets against tax liabilities, and the deferred tax is related to the same taxable entity and the same tax authority.
2.20 | Employees benefits
Employees Vacation The Company accrues the expense associated with staff vacation when the employee earns the benefit. Employees Bonuses The Company recognizes a liability and an expense for bonuses when it’s contractually obligated, it is estimated that, depending on the income requirement at a given date, bonuses will be paid out at the end of the year. Severance Indemnity The Company recognizes a liability for the payment of irrevocable severance indemnities, originated from the collective and individual agreements entered into with employees. Such obligation is determined based on the actuarial value of the accrued cost of the benefit, a method which considers several factors in the calculation, such as estimates of future continuance, mortality rates, future salary increases and discount rates. The determined value is shown at its present value by using the accrued benefits for years of service method. The discount rates are determined by reference to market interest rates curves. The current losses and gains are directly recorded in Income. According to the amendment of IAS 19, the actuarial gains and losses are recognized directly in Other Comprehensive Income, under Equity and, according to the accounting policies of the Company, financial costs related to the severance indemnity are directly recorded under Financial cost in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
2.21 | Provisions
Provisions are recognized when: (i) the Company has a current legal or implicit obligation, as a result of past events, (ii) it is probable that monetary resources will be required to settle the obligation and (iii) the amounts can be reasonably established. The amounts recognized as provisions as of the financial statement closing date, are Management’s best estimates, and consider the necessary disbursements to liquidate the obligation. The concepts used by the Company to establish provisions charged against income correspond mainly to civil, labor and taxation proceedings that could affect the Company (See Note 23).
2.22 | Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when it is likely that economic benefits will flow to the Company and these can be reliably measured. Income is measured at the fair value of the economic benefits received or to be received, and is presented net of valued added tax, specific taxes, returns, discounts and rebates. Goods sold are recognized after the Company has transferred to the buyer all the risks and benefits inherent to ownership of the goods, and it do not have the right to dispose of them. In general, this means that sales are recorded when the risks and benefits of ownership are transferred to the customer, pursuant to the terms agreed in the commercial agreements. Sale of products in the domestic market The Company obtains its revenues, both in Chile and Argentina, mainly from the sales of beers, soft drinks, mineral waters, purified water, nectars, wines, cider and spirits, products that are distributed through retail establishments, wholesale distributors and supermarket chains, and none of which act as commercial agents of the Company. Such revenues in the domestic markets, net of the value added tax, specific taxes, returns, discounts and rebates to clients, are recognized when products are delivered, together with the transfer of all risks and benefits related to them. Exports In general, the Company’s sales delivery conditions are the basis for revenue recognition related to exports. The structure of revenue recognition is based on the grouping of Incoterms, mainly in the following groups:
| • | "FOB (Free on Board) shipping point", by which the buyer organizes and pays for transportation, consequently the sales occurs and revenue is recognized upon delivery of the merchandise to the transporter hired by the buyer.
| • | “CIF (Cost, Insurance &; Freight) and similar", by which the Company organizes and pays for external transportation and some other expenses, although CCU ceases being responsible for the merchandise after delivering it to the marine or air shipping company in accordance with the relevant terms. The sale occurs and revenue is recognized upon the delivery of merchandise at the port of destination.
In case of discrepancies between the commercial agreements and Incoterms, the former shall prevail.
2.23 | Commercial agreements with distributors and supermarket chains
The Company enters into commercial agreements with its clients, distributors and supermarkets through which they establish: (i) volume discounts and other client variables, (ii) promotional discounts that correspond to an additional rebate on the price of the products sold due to commercial initiatives development (temporary promotions), (iii) payment for services and rendering of counter-services (advertising and promotional agreements, use of preferential spaces and others) and (iv) shared advertising, which corresponds to the Company’s participation in advertising campaigns, promotional magazines and opening of new sales locations. Volume discounts and promotional discounts are recognized as a reduction in the selling price of the products sold. Shared advertising contributions are recognized when the advertising activities agreed upon with the distributor have been carried out, and they are recorded as marketing expenses incurred, under Other expenses by function. Commitments with distributors or importers in the exports area are recognized on the basis of existing trade agreements.
2.24 | Cost of sales of products
Cost of sales includes the production cost of the products sold and other costs incurred to place inventories at the locations and under the conditions necessary for the sale. Such costs mainly include raw materials costs, packing costs, production staff labor costs, production-related asset depreciation, returnable bottles depreciation, license payments, operating costs and plant and equipment maintenance costs.
2.25 | Other expenses by function
Other expenses by function mainly include advertising and promotion expenses, depreciation of assets sold, selling expenses, marketing costs (sets, signs, neon signs at customer facilities) and marketing and sales staff remuneration and compensation.
2.26 | Distribution expenses
Distribution costs include all the necessary costs to deliver products to customers.
2.27 | Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses include support unit staff remuneration and compensation, depreciation of offices, equipment, facilities and furniture used for these functions, non-current asset amortization and other general and administrative expenses.
2.28 | Environment liabilities
Environmental liabilities are recorded based on the current interpretation of environmental laws and regulations, or when an obligation is likely to occur and the amount of such liability can be reliably calculated. Disbursements related to environmental protection are charged to the Consolidated Statements of Income by Function as incurred, except for investments in infrastructure designed to comply with environmental requirements, which are accounted for following the accounting policies for property, plant and equipment.

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