Belarus: Over January-July 2004 Belarus saw sales of most alcohol products rising, the Ministry of Statistics and Analysis told Interfax. During the seven months of the year beer sales grew 4.1 percent (12.3 million decalitres).

The ministry reported, in January-July 2004 sales of vodka and grape wine-like beverages continued to decline, totalling 93.2 percent and 65.5 percent, respectively, on the year.

In January-July Belarus consumer market gulped down alcohol beverages worth BYR 1,021.5 billion, 1 percent up on the year. Alcohol sales make up 16 percent of retail turnover in Belarus.

06 September, 2004