In 2003, Czech beer maker, Budweiser Budvar, exported about 24,000 hl of beer to Russia that is a rise of 55.8% compared to 2002, when the company exported 15,360 hl to Russia. Russia represents 4,5 % of company’s exports. In 2002 beer sales to Russia of Budweiser Budvar increased 30% versus 2001 and accounted 1.536 million litres compared to 1.2 million litres in 2001. Now Budweiser takes the first place among the Czech beer imported to Russia.

The Czech Republic beer sales to Russia increased by 20% in 2003 versus 2002 up to about 3,6 million hl, according to the Czech Trade data. That is more than a sixth part of all Czech beer produced in 2003. This figure is to increase by 10% in 2004, Czech analysts reported. They think Russian beer market is the most prospective in the world and that Russians prefer beer to vodka. Moreover they also said that Czech beer is very popular in Russia.

Czech beer is sold mainly in the segment of ‘premium’ beer. Russia is already involved in Czech brands production. ‘Staropramen’ brand was brewed by Kalujskaya brewery, a subsidiary of OOO TransMark, till February 2003. Now the Staropramen brand is output by Sun Interbrew at its Klinsky brewery. Staropramen beer is sold in 36 world’s countries. Since September 2002 Kalujskaya brewery started the production of Czech Kozel beer brand.

30 June, 2004