KP argues it has ousted Grupa Żywiec to be the Number 1 brewer

During the first nine months of the year, the yoy increase in the volume of sales amounted to 1.2%. "The sector placed 8.5 million hectoliters of beer on the market in the third quarter," said Nico Nusmeier, who is the president of both Grupa Żywiec brewery, as well as the Brewery Industry Employers' Union (ZPPP). Kompania Piwowarska (KP), which produces, among others, the Tyskie and Lech brands, recorded a spectacular 16.2% yoy increase in Q3 sales, while Carlsberg managed a 5% increase. "I would estimate our market share at 34%, which makes us the market leader," boasts KP president Karl Lippert. However, Nusmeier claims that Żywiec has not lost the position as the top brewer. "We do not publish quarterly figures. I can assure you, that after nine months of this year, the growth of Żywiec group (including Brau Union) sales reached 12%. We have around 37% of the market. At the end of the year it will be clear for all to see who the leader is," he said. (Puls Biznesu, p. 8) T.J.