E-Malt.com Flash 23a. June 06

China: InBev says cash flow from China to rise

Belgian brewing giant InBev, the world's largest brewer by volume, expects one third of its cash flow to come from China, the world's biggest beer market, by 2010...more info

France: Beer market declined by 25% in the last 25 years

In 2004 every French drank about 33.7 litres of beer that is 4% decrease compared to 2003. The total French beer consumption in 2004 was of 20.2 million hl...more info

Russia: June 11, Brewer’s Day in Russia

The Brewer’s Day is the main holiday of Russian brewers working at companies producing beer and soft drinks that is celebrated in Russia on the 11th of June, Press-service of the Union of Russian Brewers has recently posted. The Brewer’s Day was established upon the decision of the Union Council on 23.01.2003. The holiday is celebrated every second Saturday of June.

The central objective of this holiday is to form traditions of Russian brewery, to encourage people to join the profession and to make it more prestigious and develop standards of beer consumption. Celebrations in honour of the best brewers, cultural and entertainment programs, sports and holiday events take place at brewery companies during this day.

Brewery in Russia today is: 300 brewing plants; More than one thousand and a half of brewery brands including national ones and popular regional brands; More than 60 thousand people working at the branch plants. One working place in this branch creates 10 places in related branches;

This is one of the dynamic markets in non-primary sector of Russian economy. Over 84 million hl of beer were produced in Russia in 2004 and dynamics of market was 11%. 100 % payment has been made to all budget structures as far as the tax liability is concerned.

Canada: Brick Brewing reports fifth straight record quarterly performance

Brick Brewing Co. Limited released on June 7 its fifth straight record quarterly financial result for the first quarter ended April 30, 2005. "We are delighted to report that our sales momentum continues into our new fiscal year at a record pace," said Jim Brickman, Executive Chairman and Founder. "What is even more gratifying, is we accomplished this under extremely competitive pricing conditions and during a historically softer selling period," he added.

First Quarter Financial Highlights

Net revenue for the first quarter ended April 30, 2005 increased to C$7.0 million compared to $4.0 million for the same period last year, an increase of 75%. Net beer revenues doubled to $6.8 million over the first quarter last year, primarily as a result of growth in the Company's value and mainstream beer brands, coupled with the PC(R) brands in Ontario and Quebec that launched in the second quarter of last year. Beer volumes grew by 137% in the quarter, compared to the same quarter last year.

Net income was a record for the quarter of C$752 thousand compared to C$149 thousand in the first quarter last year, an improvement of C$603 thousand. This quarterly result eclipses the annual profitability for Brick in eight of the last ten years.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 132% to C$1.0 million in the first quarter, compared to C$451 thousand for the same quarter last year. ...more info

Slovakia: SABMiller pays EUR 5 million for 15 % stake in Topvar brewery

SABMiller plc, one of the world’s largest brewers, will pay EUR 5 million for the 15 % stake in Slovakia's Topvar brewery...more info

Malt News

EU: Analysts abut malt market

- Has the EU malting industry a chance to recover from the present crisis? The fastest, but very unpleasant way would be massive closures of capacities...more info

Barley News

China: Barley imports in January-March were 55 % higher than a year ago

China’s barley imports in January-March were 880,000 tonnes, 55 % higher than a year ago...more info

Hops News

USA: Hop Industry Economic Viability Initiative from Washington Hop Commission

China has come on strong and is now the world's third-largest hop producer with a 20 % market share of the dominant variety. Germany leads with 32 % followed by the United States at 30 %.

The roughly 48 hop growers in the Yakima Valley -- down from 264 in the 1960s -- survive because they've diversified into tree fruit or other crops, but they say time is running out.

"If we're going to keep our hop growers in the game, we've got to achieve major reductions in the cost of production," Ann George, administrator of the Washington Hop Commission, said.

To keep growers competitive, the Hop Commission is spearheading the "Hop Industry Economic Viability Initiative," which is entering its second phase with a $1.5 million appropriation from the 2005 Legislature. The program started last year with a $400,000 investment on labor-saving and other technologies.

Growth in the state minimum wage and increases in workers' compensation and unemployment taxes have combined to add $40,000 in costs per year to the average grower, who is already losing $300 to $400 an acre, according to the Washington Hop Commission. ...more info