RUSSIA: Baltika now available in North Korea

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 18 April 2007

Baltika Breweries has begun exporting its beer to North Korea.

The Russian brewer said yesterday (17 April) that it will export its Baltika No.5 Zolotoye brand to North Korea, upping Baltika's presence to 41 foreign markets.

Having spent over three years negotiating the beer's arrival in North Korea, Baltika said the brand will be positioned in the country as having been brewed in "the cradle of socialist revolution".

Baltika Breweries director of export sales, Dmitry Kistev, said: "The appearance of the company's production in the market of Korea is one of the most extraordinary projects. Very soon, due to the well-built distribution system, many citizens of North Korea will be able to enjoy the taste of Russian beer."

Zolotoye No.5 will be available in North Korea for around KPW1,600 (US$0.80) per bottle.

Baltika is majority-owned by Baltic Beverages Holding, a joint venture in Eastern Europe between Carlsberg and Scottish & Newcastle.

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Baltika, Carlsberg