The French wines and spirits group, Belvedere, has reported sales of €155.2m (US$174.8m) for the first half of 2003, an increase of 51.6% from €102.4m (US$115.3m) in the first half of 2002.

The company recorded a 65% increase in turnover for the second quarter from €52.2m to €85.9m (US$96.7m).

Belvedere is active in spirits production in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland which accounts for 93% of its total business.