E-Malt.com News article: 2051

Bulgaria: There were sold about 4.3 million hectoliters of beer in 2003 in Bulgaria. A very successful year and a 8 % increase in brewery production for 2003 have been reported by the Brewery Association in Bulgaria. This is the first time since the critical 1997 when Bulgarian brewery marks such an increase, officials from the Association declared. The improved results are due to better climate surroundings and the aggressive advertising campaign undertaken by some producers. The quality of Bulgarian beer has improved dramatically as well, mainly because of the large-scale investments worth of over EUR 20 million. New brands of beer were introduced, package and advertisement improved.

Zagorka, owned by the Greek BrewInvest, is the market leader with 30 % (26% in 2002), followed by Kamenitza (bought by Belgian Interbrew) with 26 % market share. Carlsberg reached 14%, while the sole fully Bulgarian-owned brewer on the domestic market, Bulbrew reported a 19% market share. Bolyarka brewery had 9% market share in 2003.
Beer consumption in Bulgaria has consistently risen since 1998, with the exception of 2002, when beer sales dropped by 8%. Consumption in Bulgaria is expected to reach 54 litres per capita this year.


20 January, 2004