OREANDA-NEWS. September, 10 2009. The results of the prestigious international contest BrewNZ Beer Awards 2009 were announced in late August in Wellington, New Zealand. Baltika  7 Export was named ‘Best’ in the European Lager Styles category.

More than 340 varieties of beer from all over the world were represented at the contest. Taste tests were carried out in 16 categories. In addition to  7, Baltika ¹0 Non-alcoholic and Baltika ¹8 Wheat were also awarded prizes. Baltika ¹0 and ¹8 were awarded bronze medals in the categories Reduced Alcohol, Reduced Carbohydrate & Gluten-free Beers and Wheat and Other Grain Styles, respectively. Baltika Breweries was the only Russian brewery represented at the competition.

RVI New Zealand Limited is the official importer of Baltika products in New Zealand. Today virtually the entire Baltika product line is available in New Zealand.

Konstantin Sabelnikov, Regional Export Sales Manager (Asia Pacific), explained: "Baltika Breweries is growing dynamically in the Asia-Pacific Ocean region. In 2008 our sales in the region tripled, exceeding three million litres of beer. One of the most important projects this year was the establishment of licensed production of Baltika ¹3 Classic in Australia. The fact that Baltika 7 was named best in the European Lager Styles category offers new opportunities for growth in New Zealand. Our importer has already secured contracts to distribute  7 in all major retail chains throughout the country."

The BrewNZ awards have been held for eight consecutive years. The event’s purpose is to popularize quality beer and to enhance beer drinking culture.