Czech beer company Plzensky Prazdroj sold a record 11.5mn hectolitres of beer in 2018 in the Czech Republic and abroad, up by 4% year-on-year. Sales abroad stood at 4.3mn hectolitres, up by 4.5% y/y, the highest number in the company's history, according to its press release published on May 27.

The company's exports grew by almost 13% last year and exceeded 1.7mn hectoliters. It managed to increase exports to almost all major export areas, with the largest growth in Poland (almost by one third). “We are significantly strengthening not only in European countries, but also in Russia and East Asia. South Korea is now our third largest export market, but we are also thriving in Japan,” said Prazdroj CEO Grant Liversage.

Earlier in April, the company reported an exceptionally strong year’s results. “In the local market, it sold 7.2mn hectolitres of beer, 3.8% up on the previous year. The company grew sales in both the On- and Off-Trade channels, with non-alcoholic beers being the top performers, followed by lagers and ciders,” the report reads.

“I’m happy to see that our efforts have led to greater loyalty among customers and consumers. As shown by many research studies, those pubs, which have engaged in our support programmes and upgraded the quality of their services grew faster than the rest of the market,” said Plzensky Prazdroj’s Sales Director Tomas Mraz, adding that another key to success was growing the company’s concept pubs, with thirteen new ones being established last year.

One of the most popular lager is a premium lager Pilsner Urquell, which is produced exclusively in Pilsen and exported abroad. In 2018, the company exported over 1.1mn hectoliters of a premium lager, up by a tenth y/y. “The biggest increase in exports was in barrels, almost by 15%. Tank beer also did well. The number of our foreign tankers increased last year from 90 to 131,” Liversage commented.

“Czechs love lagers and last year confirmed this, with a growing interest in Radegast Ryze horka 12 and, traditionally, Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus lagers. Overall, demand for our lagers went up by 5% last year,” Mraz added.

The second most successful Prazdroj brand abroad is Velkopopovicky Kozel, whose exports last year increased by 16%. It was exported mostly to South Korea, dark Kozel is the most popular there.