Ursus Breweries Sells 5 Mio Hectolitres In 2007

SAB Miller Romania sold 5 million hectolitres of beer in the financial year that ended 31 March, up by 28% y/y, thus securing the most substantial progress of all the European markets. Revenues advanced 25%, whereas the market share gained 3.5% to a sound 25.4%. The group"s business in Europe delivered another excellent performance, with organic lager growth of 8%, and EBITA growth of 15% in organic constant currency and 30% on a reported basis. Strong volume growth in Poland, Romania and Russia was complemented by market share gains in several countries.

Timisoreana spearheaded sales on the Romanian market following the introduction of a PET packaging. The volume progress reached 43%, whereas revenues gained 51% for Timisoreana. The Ursus Premium brand maintained its leadership in the premium segment, with 8% growth, and has increased penetration in upscale on-premise outlets.

All brands benefited from better point of sale execution and a new distributor incentive scheme, with intensive display and tailored service packages in all channels. Current capacity expansions will bring overall capacity to 6.8 million hl. The overall Romanian market advanced 9% amid an increase in the average revenue per capita.

CEO Graham Mackay estimates further increase in sales volumes in Romania, well above market average. "We don"t see why Romania should not be the country with the highest growth in Europe for SAB Miller this year, too. The market is growing well, and we are growing above the market," he said.

SAB Miller Romania controls Ursus Breweries, which has four breweries, in Cluj Napoca, Timisoara, Buzau and Brasov. Ursus Breweries concluded 2006 with a turnover of 663.7 million RON (188 million EUR). Estimates for 2007 point to some 830 million RON (250 million EUR).