UK: S&N mulls bringing Baltika home

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 2 October 2006

Scottish & Newcastle is hoping to secure a deal to brew Russian beer brand Baltika in the UK early next year, just-drinks understands.

The UK brewer is mulling plans to brew Baltika No. 3 in the country under licence from Baltic Beverages Holding, its Eastern European venture with Carlsberg.

BBH chairman told John Nicolson told just-drinks that the two companies were "seriously considering" brewing Baltika directly in the UK. The brand is only available in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh on a limited basis. Nicolson, however, refused to comment further.

An S&N spokesman said Baltika would be handled through the brewer's speciality beers division, under which it produces Spanish premium brand San Miguel.

Commercial details, such as royalty fees, have yet to be agreed, the spokesman said. "Everything has to be agreed with BBH, S&N and Carlsberg but (an agreement) is not fully nailed down."

Sectors: Beer & cider

Companies: Baltika, Carlsberg