Bulgaria: Beer consumption up 22% in Q1 2007

Beer sales in the first four months of 2007 reached 1.366 million hectolitres, Union of Brewers in Bulgaria (UBB) said, according to Sofia Echo, May 16.

Beer sales increased by 22 per cent compared to figures for the same period of 2006, investor.bg reported.

Brewers sold 1.119 million hectoliters of beer in the first quarter of 2006. Sales growth for the first quarter is lower compared to the increase for the same period of 2006 but is still sufficiently high.

Beer sales reached 478 602 hectolitres in April 2007, nearly seven per cent higher than in April 2006.

UBB representatives already predicted in the beginning of 2007 a beer sales growth of 10 per cent for the entire year.

Zagorka maintains its position of leading brand, having sold 159 025 hectolitres in April and 450 019 hectolitres for the first quarter of 2007. The company's export reached 167 hectolitres.

Kamenitsa ranks second, achieving sales of 139 867 hectolitres in April and 370 451 hectolitres for the first quarter of 2007. The company ranks first in export with 5185 hectolitres.