Latvia: Beer sales of Latvian breweries increased by 3.9% in H1 2005 year-on-year

Latvian breweries sold 43.76 million litres of beer in the first half of 2005, a 3.9% increase year-on-year, according to recent figures released by the Latvian breweries association (LADS). �This year the beer market is expected to recover to its previous volume,� said LADS executive director Ivars Grislis. In 2004 the sales were hit by the effect of restrictions introduced following Latvia`s accession to the EU, Grislis added.

The largest brewing company was Aldaris, which saw sales rise by 4.7% to 18 million litres. The second largest brewery was C�su alus with a 10.5% increase in sales to 7.27 million litres.