Malt: On the more positive side were reports from Russia, which moves towards good plus figures after a poor start in winter. The Ukraine sold 16 % more beer in January/May than a year ago. Beer business still booms in Thailand, and also the Philippines report a plus of 10 % for January/April of this year. High prices in the past grain year led to a reduction of stocks, which could provoke to unexpected additional purchases of malt from crop 2003.

30 July, 2003