Plzen, Jan 29 (CTK) - Czech beer production will reach a record 20million hectolitres last year, about one percent more on the year, and Czech beer exports will grow from 3.54 million to 3.7 million hectolitres, Jan Vesely, chairman of the Czech Beer and Malt Association, told CTK today.
Final results for last year covering 45 industrial breweries operating on the Czech market will be available in February, said Vesely.
Markets in the neighbouring countries of Russia and Poland grow most dynamically, while the Slovak, Austrian and Hungarian markets are stagnant and the German market has been falling six years except for 2006.
Exports grow at a slower pace but still remain the main driving force of rising Czech production.
Lastyear, breweries exported nearly 3.7 million hectolitres, a growth of160,000 hectolitres over 2006 when exports rose four times compared with 2005.
"I expect exports to rise by 150,000 hectolitres at most this year, with domestic sales remaining flat," said Vesely.
His words were confirmed by Mike Short, CEO of the largest Czech brewery Plzensky Prazdroj, at a news conference today.
Exports make up more than 18 percent of the output, most of them going to EU countries.
Now, however, it is more difficult to sell beer abroad also given the strong crown.
Thirty-sixpercent of Czech beer is sent to Germany, trailed by Slovakia (18percent), Great Britain, the USA, Sweden and Russia.
Beer consumption was about one percent higher at 16.4 million hectolitres in the Czech Republic last year.
Non-alcoholicbeer has become increasingly popular, and Czech breweries are projectedto have produced a record 500,000 hectolitres of this kind of beer lastyear. Its sales totalled 328,000 hectolitres in 2006.
Domestic consumption has long been slightly below 160 litres per person and year.
Ten-degree beer output is about 50 percent higher than lager production but thegap narrows owing to the good economic situation of Czechs.
Short has also confirmed a shift towards consumption of premier beers. The trend will continue in the coming years.
Foreignersshare in average Czech beer consumption reached 20 litres in 2006,while last years estimate is 25 litres, the association said.
Around45 industrial breweries have been operating on the Czech market, withseven companies occupying more than four-fifths of the market.
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Product Type:
Beer
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Place of Origin:
Czech Republic
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Brand Name:
Holba- Serak -Clasic- Premium
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Style:
Lager
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Type:
Beer
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