Polish beer hailed for export strength
Companies associated in Browary Polskie sold almost 26.82 million hectoliters of beer in 2004, a growth of 1.43 percent in comparison with 2003. The market expanded slower than expected and production was lower in 2004's second quarter than in the same period in 2003. Companies rebounded in the third quarter, but given that this is a traditionally high season, the numbers were still below forecasts.
Contrary to the mid-2004 trend, breweries managed to sell some 3.4 percent more in 2004's Q4 than in 2003's Q4. "A return to growing consumption can clearly be seen. We estimate that the market will grow by 3.5 percent this year," says Nico Nusmeier, head of the Żywiec Group.
The data comes from breweries that control 92 percent of the market and proves that last year was a good one for large producers, such as Carlsberg Polska, Kompania Piwowarska and Żywiec Group. All of the above companies increased their market share significantly. Smaller breweries, however, suffered badly, with sales dropping by double-digit figures in 2004. Although exports account for only one percent of total sales, leading breweries doubled their export volume in 2004.
Contrary to the mid-2004 trend, breweries managed to sell some 3.4 percent more in 2004's Q4 than in 2003's Q4. "A return to growing consumption can clearly be seen. We estimate that the market will grow by 3.5 percent this year," says Nico Nusmeier, head of the Żywiec Group.
The data comes from breweries that control 92 percent of the market and proves that last year was a good one for large producers, such as Carlsberg Polska, Kompania Piwowarska and Żywiec Group. All of the above companies increased their market share significantly. Smaller breweries, however, suffered badly, with sales dropping by double-digit figures in 2004. Although exports account for only one percent of total sales, leading breweries doubled their export volume in 2004.
