Beer sales in Lithuania fell 6.1% to 2.86 million dekalitres in the first two months of the current year, according to the Lithuanian Brewers Association, which consists of 11 biggest Lithuanian brewers. In February beer sales decreased 13% to 1.384 million dekalitres versus February 2002.

The leading brewer of the country, Svyturys-Utenos alus, controlled by Scandinavian concern Baltic Beverages Holding (BBH), sold about 1.329 million dekalitres of beer for the two months of the current year, 15.4% less than for January and February 2002, when the company sold 1.571 million dekalitres.

Kalnapilis and Vilniaus Tauras, companies controlled by the Danish company Brewery Group, take the second place. These companies posted consolidated sales of about 735 thousand dekalitres of beer for January-February 2003, 2.7% more than for the same period in 2002 (716 thousand dekalitres).

Sales of Gubernija brewer increased by 4% from 276 thousand to 287 thousand dekalitres for the same period.

Ragutis brewery, controlled by Finish Company Olvi, sold 259 thousand dekalitres of beer during January and February this year, that is 3.6% up than for the same period 2002 (250 thousand dekalitres).

Lithuanian brewer Svyturys-Utenos alus holds about 46,5% of Lithuanian beer market this year, Kalnapilis and Vilniaus Tauras - 25,7%, Gubernija - 10% and Ragutis - 9,1%.

11 March, 2003