by Eugene Vorotnikov FoodBizDaily.com Moscow
January 20 2010 - SABMiller posted a 34% increase in its sales in Russia in the IV quarter of 2009.
According to the company, such successful results could be explained by the fact that due to recent beer excise tax increase in Russia, (which came into effect from 1 January 2010,) its Russian distributors have increased purchases of beer.
According to analysts, despite to beer excise tax increase the Russian beer market remains one of the most promising for SabMiller.
The growing importance of the premium segment reflects wider optimism within the overall Russian beer market in recent years.
Figures by market research group Euromonitor show that since 2000, cumulative market growth for the Russian beer market stands at 60 per cent.
SabMiller has been operating in Russia since 1998. The company's portfolio comprises of ten brands, among which are the well-known SABMiller international premium brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft, Pilsner Urquell and Grolsch. Local brands include "Zolotaya Bochka", "Tri Bogatyrya", "Moya Kaluga" and premium licensed Redd's, Velkopopovicky Kozel and Holsten. According to ACNielsen data 2007 company volume share was 6%, value share was 10%.
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SABMiller plc
Address: One Stanhope Gate London, ENG W1K 1AF United Kingdom
Telephone: +44-20-76590100
About SABMiller plc
SABMiller plc is a holding company, which has brewing and beverage interests in more than 60 countries across six continents. The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries are the manufacture, distribution and sale of beverages. Its brands include international beers, such as Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Grolsch along with local brands, such as Aguila, Castle, Miller Lite, Snow and Tyskie. The Company is one of the bottlers of Coca-Cola products. The Company’s markets range from developed economies, such as United States to markets, such as China and India. As of February 21, 2008, SABMiller plc had acquired a 99.46% interest in Koninklijke Grolsch N.V. In March 2009, the Company acquired the remaining 50% interest in SABMiller Vietnam JV Company Limited, from its joint venture partner, Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company. As a result, SABMiller Asia BV is the sole shareholder in SABMiller Vietnam JV Company Limited.