Russia: St Petersburg based Russian brewing force, announced on July 21 that its second-quarter revenues rose 15 % year-on-year due to an overhaul of its logistics and a new marketing strategy. Baltika added that sales volume rise was at double the pace of growth in the Russian beer market, which rose 6.8 percent year-on-year. It estimated its market share at 22 % versus 20 % in the first quarter.

April-June revenues rose to 7.5 billion RUB (roubles) ($257.9 million) from 6.5 million RUB in the year-ago period, with sales in unit volumes rising to 5.5 million hectolitres, an increase of 61% versus the first quarter 2004, and an increase of 14% versus the same period last year, the firm said in a statement. The growth rate of the Russian beer market in the second quarter of the year accounted for 6.8%.

Russian brewery Baltika is jointly owned by Denmark's Carlsberg and Scottish & Newcastle.

23 July, 2004