OREANDA-NEWS. Baltika Breweries, the leader of the Russian beer market, announced its financial results for the I quarter of 2014.

According to the company's estimates, Russian beer market declined by 5% compared with the same period last year due to the effects the impact from closing kiosks, uncertain macroeconomic environment and weak economic growth. In addition, the company's financial results in the I quarter negatively impacted by the weakening of the Russian ruble.

With regard to market share, it continued the positive trend of previous periods - the company's share rose to 38.4%* the first quarter. Under these conditions of difficult economic situation, negatively affecting consumer behavior, Baltika maintains its lead in the market. The greatest growth in market share is seen in brand "Baltika" (0.6%), as well as in the recently included in the company's portfolio Koff and Karmi.

The largest positive contribution to the overall result in the modern trade channel introduced Ural-Volga region, in the traditional trade channel - region of Northwest.

The company strengthens its position due to careful planning and management of the budget and long-term action programs aimed at improving the efficiency of the company: projects for resource conservation and energy efficiency, improving production, logistics and sales systems, development of the system of waste management and its own agricultural project.

In results of work Carlsberg Group generally has been an increase in organic gross profit by 4% and increase, Organic price/mix growth of 5%. International premium portfolio of the Group continued to grow, with the best results showed Tuborg (+21%) and Somersby (+85%). Carlsberg brand grew by 2% on its premium markets. Operating profit of DKK 453m negatively impacted by the translation effect of foreign currencies (especially the Russian rouble), different phasing of unallocated costs, and investments in premium brands in Asia

As for Eastern Europe, the Carlsberg Group's revenue per hl increased in the region by 11%. Revenue growth and gross margin was driven by price increases and mix improvements.

JSC Baltika Breweries, part of the Carlsberg Group, is one of the biggest Russian FMCG companies; from 1996 it has been No. 1 on the Russian beer market. Baltika owns 10 breweries in Russia and has a wide brand portfolio. The company is a significant part of Carlsberg Group and its Eastern Europe region, which also includes Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Baltika Breweries is a leading exporter of Russian beer: its products are represented in more than 75 countries around the world. The Baltika brand rates first in Europe in sales (Euromonitor).