Czech Brewers are expected to produce 18.5 million hectolitres of beer in 2003 that is an increase of 2% versus 2002, the Czech Association of Beer and Malt Producers estimated. Last year Czech beer production fell, due mainly to the floods the country experienced in August 2002. The Association also said that exports for this year should top 2 million hl, as both large and small brewers increased sales outside the domestic market. Exports should be given another boost in 2004 as the country enters the EU in May.

However, this year Czech beer consumption per capita is also expected to grow, to just over 160 litres compared to just below 160 litres last year.

23 December, 2003