OREANDA-NEWS. On 05 March 2009 was announced, that Baltika Breweries (Russia) and Grupo Modelo (Mexico) haв signed an agreement whereby Baltika becomes the distributor of Corona Extra beer on the territory of Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Corona Extra, which is produced exclusively in Mexico by Grupo Modelo, has been present in the Russian beer market since the beginning of the1990s. Grupo Modelo is the leading Mexican brewer, and it exports five brands, including its flagship Corona Extra which is the fifth most popular beer brand worldwide, to more than 150 countries.

Baltika will start shipping Corona Extra 0.33 liter bottles in spring 2009 and will promote the beer using its own distribution network in cities with a population of one million and above, in major industrial centers and at resorts. The high level of development of the network allows the Company to selectively approach the task of building a good quality distribution in channels that correspond to a super premium product.

"Baltika Breweries is always looking for new possibilities to grow and evaluates various niches, weighing their prospects," says Vice President of Marketing Denis Sherstennikov. — "Prior to 2009, the Company was not active in the imported beer segment. A super premium beer, and in particular such an iconic brand as Corona Extra, provides us an excellent opportunity to enter this new segment. Furthermore, Corona Extra’s joining our portfolio will help to strengthen our position in the on-trade channel."

Corona Extra beer is intended for young adults, residents of large cities with a high income, confident and successful, striving to get pleasure from every moment in life.

Corona Extra is a pale lager-style beer that is refreshing and light tasting, with an alcohol content of no more than 4.6% by volume. It is always drunk straight from the bottle, served cold and with a slice of lemon. Every year more than 2 billion litres of this beer are sold worldwide.

Grupo Modelo, founded in 1925, is the leader in Mexico in beer production, distribution and marketing, with 63.0% of the total (domestic and export) market share, as of December 31, 2007. It has seven brewing plants in Mexico, with a total annual installed capacity of 60 million hectoliters. Currently, it brews and distributes 12 brands, including Corona Extra. Detailed information about the Grupo Modelo is available on their website http://www.gmodelo.com.mx

Baltika Breweries is the largest producer of FMGC products in Russia. The Company’s production is sold in 98% of the points of sales in Russia. Baltika comprises 11 breweries across all of Russia and a brewery in Azerbaijan. It produces around 40 brands, including such well-known names as Baltika, Nevskoye, Yarpivo, Arsenalnoye, Tuborg and Carlsberg.