Russian brewer OAO Vena is to launch the production under license of French beer ‘Kronenburg 1664’ in October 2004, company’s General Director Petr Chernishov has recently announced at a press conference. Sales volumes of this brand are to reach 30 thousand hl by 2005. However, the investments amount was not revealed. The beer will be output in kegs and bottles of 0.33 l. ‘Kronenburg 1664’ is very famous in Europe and takes the forth place among the European beer brands by sales volumes.

In the first five months of 2004 Vena sold 66.5 million litres of beer, a 40% rise versus the same period last year. The increase of net revenue amounted 38% in comparison with the first five months of 2003. Company’s leading trademarks are Nevskoe and Tuborg. In May 2004 OAO Vena held 20.2% of St. Petersburg beer market. Beer Nevskoe is the best premium beer brand sold in the city, owning 42.4% in this segment.

30 June, 2004