Ursus Breweries' sales volume, down 8% in Romania

Beer production company Ursus Breweries recorded a fall of 8 percent in sold volumes in the fiscal year that ended in March 31, 2011, in the context of an economy whose revival is still delayed, according to the company. However, it recorded an increase in the market share in value, due to a portfolio balanced by strong brands, the company went on. Among the brands in the portfolio of Ursus Breweries, Timisoreana remains the highest mark on the beer market in Romania, while Ursus is a leader in the premium segment, according to the company's data. Nonalcoholic Ursus beer increased its market share and volumes for the fourth year in a row, while Ursus Black grew the volume more than twice. The relaunch of the the brand Ciucas sustained an increase of the brand value and volume, according to the company, while launching the Grolsch brand exceeded expectations in terms of volume, value, impact and brand development. In late March, Ursus Breweries announced that will open a mini brewery on the premises of its old factory in Cluj, in which it will invest around EUR 1 million. The company said the decision was triggered by the declining beer sales in Romania in recent years. The factory in Cluj was opened in 1878. Ursus Breweries is part of SABMiller. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com