OREANDA-NEWS. July 14, 2010. The commodity distribution network of Belgospischeprom food concern is unable to sell Belarusian-made alcoholic beverages abroad, the Belarusian State Control Committee said in a report following its inspection of the concern.

According to the Committee, one of the factors hampering an expansion of exports of vodka and other hard drinks is that the commodity distribution network of the concern has a niche specialization and is not ready for extending the range of exported products. In 2009, only the Riga-based distributor sold Belarusian vodka and distilled beverages.

Another problem is the gradual fall in beer production in Belarus, despite the growth in production capacities. At the same time, imports have been growing, the Committee said. In 2009, beer imports rose to 13.6 million decaliters from 12.4 million decaliters in 2008.

According to the State Customs Committee, beer imports fell 2.6% on the year in January-May to 5.05 million decaliters.

Belarus’ vodka and hard liquor output increased 7.7% on the year in January-May 2010 to 6 million decaliters. Wine product output shrank 6.2% to 288.3 billion rubles. In the period, cognac output amounted to 106,000 decaliters, up 56.9% on the year. Belarus’ output of grape wines increased 2.2% on the year to 823,000 decaliters, while the output of fruit wines fell 12.9% to 7 million decaliters. The production of sparkling wines went up 7.4% on the year in the period to 518,000 decaliters.

Vodka sales decreased 2.3% on the year in January-May 2010 to 4.563 million decaliters. Sales of other hard drinks rose 27.5% to 641,000 decaliters, sales of grape wines went up 13.3% on the year to 1.12 million decaliters.

Sales of cognac went up 23% to 111,200 decaliters, sales of sparkling wines went up 3.4% on the year to 424,900 decaliters. Sales of fruit wines increased 4.1% to 6.765 million decaliters.