Big brewers see sales up

The Brewers of Romania Association, which comprises Brau Union, Interbrew, SAB Miller and Tuborg, has announced an

increase of 3.5% in first-half sales to 4.75 million hectolitres (compared with 4.58 million hectolitres in the same time last year) and the signing by the four big players of a protocol called the “Commercial Communication Code.” “The volume growth got a boost from the good weather in the winter and especially in January and March,” the Brewers of Romania officials say. The big four control more than 70% of the beer market, estimated at 14 million hectolitres and 600 million euros last year. The Brewers of Romania say that the beer market saw a 1% growth in the first five months compared with the same time last year. Market research company MEMRB shows the average price per litre of beer went up by 2.7% in the first half, higher than the inflation for April and May. The four leading players have recently signed a Commercial Communication Code, which brings the commercial communication standards on the Romanian market up to those

in the EU. The members of the Brewers of Romania voluntarily abide by this code, making sure marketing communication agrees with the legal drinking age consumers and at the same time promote responsible alcohol consumption and beer. ZF