Last year Budweiser Budvar exported the most beer in its history

In 2014, Budweiser Budvar, N.C. exported the most beer in its history. The export volume reached 813,000 hectolitres of beer, which is 6% more than in 2013.

"Over the past year we carried on in the growth trend, which has been continuously proceeding since 2010. Within five years, we have increased the exported beer volume by 34%," says Renata Pánková, Budweiser Budvar’s export sales manager. “Last year we sold historically the largest volume of beer in Germany and Slovakia, which are our most important markets, sales being carried out there by our subsidiaries," adds Renata Pánková. The sales in Germany annually rose by 10%, while in Slovakia by 8%.

A significant increase was even seen last year in the most demanding markets in Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland and the USA. In some smaller markets, the sales increased even in multiples - in Vietnam fourfold, triple in Croatia, and nearly double in Israel, Sweden and Serbia.

In Russia, Budweiser Budvar sold the most beer since 2010. "Despite increasing the total volume in Russia by 4%, the sales in this country virtually stalled due to the devaluation of the rouble at the end of the year. Therefore, we expect a significant reduction in Russian sales this year," concludes Renata Pánková. Furthermore, the export to the Ukraine was not successful either last year, as there was a fall in sales of 60%. Like other premium imported beers, Budweiser Budvar beer is primarily sold in regions with the highest purchasing power, e.g. in Crimea, where, however, the distribution completely ended in 2014.

Last year, Budweiser Budvar newly entered markets in six countries and renewed the export to Azerbaijan after four years.