Romania: The beer market of Romania is to maintain its growing trend despite the increase of excise duty applied from April 1, which is higher than expected by Romanian breweries, Dieter Schulze, Managing Director of Compania de Bere Romania SA (CBR) communicated at a press conference.

On Tuesday, March 29, the most important beer makers of Romania, which control 70% of the national beer market, Brau Union Romania SA, Compania de Bere Romania SA (CBR), Interbrew Romania SA and United Romanian Breweries Bereprod SRL (URBB) have formed the Association “Brewers of Romania”, with the mission to promote and develop a strong and socially responsible beer industry in the country.

Together these four companies, the founders of the association, employ 4,400 people, have invested in Romania about EUR 420 million and paid about EUR 108 million in the Romanian budget as taxes and duties in 2004.

According to the National Institute of Statistics, in 2004, beer production in Romania was 14.5 million hl, a 13.2% increase versus 2003. Per capita beer consumption in 2004 was 66 litres, 11.8% increase compared to 2003.

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