The leading Russian brewer, Baltika Brewery, has said it is forecasting an increase in sales of 12% to 15% for 2003 against 2002.

Financial director, Alexander Nikonov, said the growth would be achieved through the restructuring of the company’s sales network. Nikonov stated that the restructuring had already resulted in a 12% increase in sales in May 2003 compared with May 2002.

Baltika is part of Baltic Beverage Holding (BBH), the Russian-based brewing joint venture between Carlsberg and Scottish & Newcastle (S&N),