Ukraine: Obolon thinking of beer exports to Africa

Obolon, one of the largest breweries in Ukraine, is intending to start exporting beer to Africa, Interfax-Ukraine cited a company press release on December, 10.

"Obolon, together with the House of Africa public organization, is intending to actively develop cooperation with African countries," the brewer said.

According to the release, Obolon has experience in test supplying beer to African countries.

"Though beer consumption is low in Africa, Obolon sees a great potential for increasing the share of the company's brands on the continent," the document reads.

The company considers foreign economic activity to be one of its priorities. In 2008, Obolon supplied over 2.6 million hl of beer to foreign markets, which was more than 75% of the total beer exports from Ukraine.

Currently, Obolon exports beer to over 30 countries, including Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Germany, Britain, the United States, France, Vietnam, Israel, and Canada.

Obolon brewery was created in 1980. In 1992 it was privatized and reorganized as a closed joint-stock company. The enterprise's management owns a controlling stake in the company.

In 2008, Obolon increased beer production by almost 4% year-on-year, to 11.33 million hl. Its share in total beer production in Ukraine last year was 35.4%, and its share on the domestic market was 30.4%.

11 December, 2009