Russian brewers produced about 5.09 million hl of beer in January 2004, 22% more than in January 2003. In January this year the second Russian beer maker, SUN Interbrew, with its brands Tolstyak, Sibirskaya Korona and Stella Artois, controlled 17.6% of the Russian beer market. Last years the company owned 16% of the market. SUN Interbrew’s beer sales increased by 77% in the first month of the year. Meanwhile analysts say that by the end of the year Interbrew will hold 15.5-16% of the market.

Market share of the leading brewer Baltika decreased to 19.5%, according to analysts. However, Baltika said that in January the company held 21-22% of the market. According to analysts by the end of the year Baltika will own 21.5% of the Russian beer market.

10 March, 2004