Baltika Brewery, the Russian brewing force, part of Baltic Beverage Holding (BBH), is forecasting an increase in sales by 12-15% for 2003 versus 2002. That was the announcement made by Alexander Nikonov, company’s financial director. According to him the growth would be achieved through the restructuring of the company's sales network. Nikonov stated that the restructuring had already resulted in a 12% increase in sales in May 2003 compared with May 2002. Moreover the company is to reduce the production costs. According to Nikonov, following that initiative it was possible to save USD 5 million in 2002.

In 2002 Baltika sold 16.29 million hl of its production. Export volume accounted 6% of all sales volumes. According to Nikonov the company’s share on the Russian market might grow by 6% in 2003 versus 2002 when the company held 22% of Russian market. Now the production capacity of Baltika’s plants in St. Petersburg is 9.5 million hl per year, in Tula 4.1 million hl, in Rostov-on-Don 3 million hl per annum.

06 June, 2003