Budějovický Budvar exported a record volume of beer last year

České Budějovice, 11th March – Budweiser Budvar, N.C., exported the most beer in its history last year. The volume of export increased by 8.5% yoy to 1,075,000 hectolitres. The brewery thus confirmed its position of the second largest Czech exporter with a 21% share in the total Czech export. The national brewery has managed to increase its export in the long term, as it has grown by almost 85% over the past 10 years.

Budweiser Budvar exported to 79 export territories last year. More than 90% of the volume of exports was made by Budweiser Budvar Premium Lager, which is sold under the “Budějovický Budvar” or “Czechvar” brands in some countries. “Most of Budvar's beer went to Germany last year, where a new historical record was achieved,” says Renata Pánková, Budweiser Budvar's export department manager. The year-on-year increase in sales in Germany had reached almost 6%. “This result is all the more valuable because we have been doing well in Germany for a long time. For many years, our beer has been the best-selling imported beer in the German retail sector and we have increased our sales volume by a quarter over the last five years,” adds Renata Pánková.

Poland, Russia, Slovakia and the United Kingdom ranked among the top five markets last year. “We increased the volume by 64% in Russia, which also represents a historical maximum,” adds Renata Pánková. Budweiser Budvar increased its sales in 39 countries last year. “Sweden, which is one of our most important markets, became the ‘jumper’ of the year according to value indicators, as the volume of beer sold there increased by almost 80% year-on-year. We were also very pleased with the result in the United Arab Emirates, where we doubled our sales. This region is proving not only challenging but also very interesting for our beer. You can enjoy a drawn Budvar in the beach bar of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world – i.e. at the Palace Emirates in Abu Dhabi, but you also have to expect that the price will be highly premium too,” concludes Renata Pánková. In 2018, the brewery also managed to carry out the first-ever deliveries of beer to Bahrain, Bermuda and Senegal. After a few years, export to seven countries was restored - e.g. to Angola, Albania and Iraq.

All Budweiser Budvar beer is brewed exclusively from Czech ingredients in one place – i.e. the brewing house in České Budějovice, and in accordance with the terms of the Protected Geographical Indication. The Czech national brewery Budweiser Budvar thus appraises the results of the work of Czech hop and malting barley growers and at the same time helps to increase the prestige of the Czech brewing industry worldwide.

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