Vodka sales abroad show 25% loss in Russian market

According to foreign Trade Information Center (CIHZ), sales of Polish spirits abroad plunged in the first half of this year, sliding almost 25%t and puzzling spirits producers, since none of them has previously recorded such foreign sales losses. Still, the heads of Polmos Polish distilleries admit they have lost a part of their share in the Russian market. According to CIHZ, in the first half of this year Polish companies sold only $221,000 worth of spirits to Russia, a mere 21.5 % of total sales in Russia in the respective period last year. Vodka producers blame poor Polish alcohol exports on Agros, the owner of several Polish vodka brands. According to sector representatives, the company does not promote Polish distillers' products effectively. Agros argues that larger sums have been invested in advertising Polish spirits abroad, and moreover estimates that its vodka sales in the first half of this year totalled $4.5 million, year-on-year the same. Yet as the result of their investments in foreign marketing and sales, Polmos distillers will most likely close the year with increased exports. In 1999 Polmos spent zl 113 million promoting their brands and developing their distilleries. (Puls Biznesu, p.10)