OREANDA-NEWS. Belarusian distillery Belalco, based in Brest, increased exports 65.5% year on year in January-August 2013 to 3.292 million decaliters, a source in the administration of the company told.

Vodka and hard drink exports expanded by almost 100% to 157,200 dal, while starch shipments reduced by 28.9% to 156,500 tonnes, pure alcohol - 48,000 dal, down 37.2%.

The company exports its products to New Zealand, Ukraine, Vietnam, the Baltic States, Germany, Kazakhstan, Poland, Bulgaria, Turkmenistan, Moldova, China, Azerbaijan.

Vodka output increased 3.3% on the year to 1.3 million decaliters; brandy - down 11.7% to 15,800 dal; rectified alcohol - down 2.5% to 786,000 dal.

In August the company bottled 2,000 dal of the Broxburn blended Scotch whiskey, with 40% alcohol content. The product has been available in retail shops since September 2013.

At the same time, Belalco's inventories stood at 103.5% of the average monthly output as of September 1, 2013. Inventories are expected to reduce further. To compare, as of June 1, 2013, Belalco's inventories stood at 141% of the average monthly output.

The Brest-based distillery (currently Belalco) was established in 1897. It is capable of making about 1.5 million decaliters of hard drinks a year.