PRAGUE (AP) — Budvar, the Czech brewer that has been in a protracted authorized dispute with U.S. firm Anheuser-Busch over use of the “Budweiser” model, has registered a report output for the second straight pandemic 12 months.
Budejovicky Budvar NP, a 126-year-old state-owned brewery, mentioned its output rose 4.6% to 1.8 million hectoliters (47.8 million gallons) in 2021, based on preliminary outcomes launched on Thursday.
The brewer’s exports have been up 11.3% final 12 months, director Petr Dvorak mentioned. The figures “surpassed our expectations,” Dvorak mentioned.
Budvar sells its beer in some 80 international locations. It mentioned in a press release that virtually all its main markets, together with Germany, Britain and Slovakia, contributed to elevated gross sales.
Revenues additionally hit a report final 12 months, rising 10.4% to achieve 3.171 billion Czech crowns ($149 million) in 2021.
Full outcomes, together with revenue figures, will probably be launched later within the 12 months.
The pandemic notably affected the home market with demand for beer in tanks and barrels declining as bars and eating places have been closed for a while and entry for unvaccinated folks was restricted.
“We’ve got a really troublesome 12 months in all facets behind us,” Dvorak mentioned.
The brewer has expanded lately to have the ability to produce greater than 2 million hectoliters (52.8 million gallons) of beer a 12 months. That funding made it attainable to react to adjustments within the markets amid the coronavirus pandemic.
