The Czech Republic: Exports of Budvar beer reach new record in 2017

Exports of Budvar beer, which has been embroiled in a lengthy legal dispute with U.S. giant Anheuser-Busch over the use of the "Budweiser" brand, reached a record in 2017, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Budejovicky Budvar NP, a Czech state-owned brewery, said on May 24 it exports rose 1.5 percent on the year to a record of 990.5 thousands hectolitres (26.17 million gallons). Budvar exported its beer to 76 countries last year.

The brewery's output was down 4 percent to 1.547 million hectolitres as it shifted production to a premium brand. Financial results have not been disclosed.

The brewery says it has reached its production capacity and is currently investing 2 billion Czech crowns ($90.7 million) to expand output to up to 2 million hectolitres a year.

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