Belarus: A disbalance between production capacity and consumption has been noticed

Before starting the beer season this year Belarus beer production capacity approached to 4.5 million hl per annum. By the end of 2005 Belarus beer production capacity is expected to increase up to 5 million hl. However a disbalance between production capacity and consumption has been noticed, according to analysts. This year the volume of beer market in Belarus is to reach 3.5 million hl of beer compared to 3.05 million last year. In 2005 Belarus is to import about 0.3-0.4 million hl of beer.

The leader on the national market is OAO �Krinitza�, which registered an increase of 173% of beer sales volumes (0.25 million hl) compared to last year.