Russia: One of the largest Russian beer makers, Ochakovo Brewery, has registered for the first time since 1999 a drop in beer production. The company produced 7.5% less beer in 2003 then in 2002 from 572 million litres to 532 million litres of beer. Ochakovo is the largest national brewery without any foreign investments. According to Business Analitika last year the company controlled 7% of beer sales in Russia. In 2003 Ochakovo sold 704 million litres of beverages.

Ochakovo is the first largest Russian brewer, which reduced its production volumes of beer last year.

This year the company intends to increase its beer output. According Ochakovo, sales volumes of beer will increase by 5-7% in 2004. The increase will come from selling new brands, which the brewer is to launch this year. The company plans to sell about 10 million litres of its first licensed brand Altstein, 5 million litres of another licensed brand, which name was not revealed and 10 million litres of a local brand.

30 March, 2004