GERMANY: Berentzen 2003 figures rise, just

Berentzen-Gruppe has posted its 2003 figures. The German drinks producer announced over the weekend that sales for the year had risen to €193.6m (US$233.9m) from €190.5m in 2002.

While Berentzen is also a bottler for Pepsi and Lipton, sales at its non-alcoholic drinks division also increased, by 19% year-on-year to €46.1m. Sales of spirits for the company remained level with 2002 at €147.5m. Spirits sales were bolstered by the company's premium brands, including Linie Aquavit, which saw its sales rise by 17% on 2002.

Berentzen has recently expanded its products portfolio to include the new Mexican beer, Sol. It also plans to add Yellow Tail wine from Australia to its roster.

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