Ukraine: Miller Brands Ukraine expects production increase of 15% this year

Donetsk-based PJSC Miller Brands Ukraine, one of the largest brewing companies in Ukraine, in 2012 could increase beer production by 15%, including through expanding its product line, Kyiv Post reported on September, 14.

Production Director Vasyl Basmanov told reporters in Kyiv last week that the company in 2011 increased beer production by 51.4% compared to 2010, to 1.64 million hl.

"It's not worth expecting that we will increase production the same way this year, as conditions [on the beer market] are rather tough, and the market is falling," he said.

Basmanov also reported that in January-August this year the company produced about 1.2 million hl of beer, which is 20% up on last year.

As reported, Miller Brands Ukraine is among the four leaders of the Ukrainian beer market. Until 2012, the company belonged to SABMiller, and, in March 2012, as a result of a strategic alliance between two large international groups, Turkey-based Efes gained control over Miller Brands Ukraine.

Miller Brands Ukraine produces and imports beer under the Miller Genuine Draft, REDD'S, Zolota Bochka, Velkopopovicky Kozel Svetly, Amsterdam Mariner, Sarmat, Zhygulivske, and Dobry Shubin brands.

Efes is an international company, the fifth largest producer of beer in Europe. It has 18 breweries, seven malting plants and 20 plants for bottling Coca-Cola beverages in 16 countries.

19 September, 2012