E-Malt.com News article: 2110

Czech Republic: Plzenský Prazdroj, a.s., the Czech beer industry leader, achieved total beer sales of 9.5 million hectolitres in calendar year 2003, a year-on-year increase of 6 %, its parent company, SABMiller plc. posted on January 28. The Company's domestic beer sales increased by 3.6% over the prior year, in line with expectations, and exceeded 8 million hectolitres for the first time in the Company's history. Plzenský Prazdroj's brands also confirmed their leading positions in the Czech export market. Overall foreign sales surged 20% to 1.5 million hl, driven principally by Pilsner Urquell and Velkopopovicky Kozel in both export and licensed markets.

Plzenský Prazdroj made a substantial contribution to the strong European sales results announced by SABMiller plc. Steve Woodward, Managing Director of Plzenský Prazdroj, a.s., said: "We are confident that the high quality of our brands, effective exploitation of our production, sales and distribution networks, and innovative marketing execution will result in another very good year for Plzenský Prazdroj in 2004. "We also look forward to joining the European Union in May as a Czech industry leader which meets EU standards and requirements in all areas of the Company's operations."

2003 was marked by the following significant events for the company: Reconstruction of the Pilsner Urquell brew house and the building of new production facilities commenced at the Pilsen brewery to meet increasing domestic and international demand for the product; Major investment began at Velké Popovice brewery aimed at a 50% increase of the brewery's capacity by building cylindro-conical tanks for fermentation; Pilsner Urquell delivered excellent results with 10% year-on-year growth driven by a shift in the brand mix selected by Czech customers reflecting the continuing move towards premium beers; Velkopopovický Kozel proved to be the most dynamically developed brand, gaining above-average growth in both Czech and foreign markets; Radegast Birell, a non-alcoholic beer, continued to grow significantly, reflecting its high quality and focused positioning.

Plzensky Prazdroj employs 2,754 people in the Pilsen, Radegast and Velke Popovice breweries and in 13 Sales and Distribution Centres throughout the Czech Republic. The Plzensky Prazdroj group of associated companies also consists of Saris brewery situated in Slovakia, which is the number 2 in the Slovak beer market. The Plzensky Prazdroj group represents the most significant player in the Central and Eastern European beer industry. Plzensky Prazdroj is a subsidiary of SABMiller plc, one of the world's leading brewers with a brewing presence if over 40 countries across four continents. Pilsner Urquell is one of SABMiller's international flagship brands.


30 January, 2004