OREANDA-NEWS. May 11, 2010. Belarus has established Brewers’ Guild union, the chairman of the board of the guild and general director of OAO Krinitsa Grigory Petkevich told reporters.

“The idea to create a guild of brewers was founded on the common interests of the producers and interests of the national Belarusian product,” Petkevich said.

The union was registered on March 23, 2010 and includes OAO Krinitsa, OAO Lidskoe Pivo, OAO Olivaria, OAO Brest Beer, and Heineken breweries – IZAO Syabar and COAO Rechitsapivo.

The guild was established to address the current situation on the beer market of the country: Belarusian beer sales are going down amid an increase in imports, excise tax on beer increased 54% in 2010, and restrictions on sale of beer by small retailers.

Saulius Galadauskas has been appointed Brewers’ Guild executive director.

“Based on Lithuania’s experience, the creation of the guild is the first step toward the resolution of problems that are impossible to tackle single-handedly. It is a fine opportunity to join efforts in improving the image of beer and breweries. The brewing sector with its rich traditions is underestimated in Belarus, and we aim at proving that beer may not only become Belarus’ national pride, but also win awards at international contests,” he said.

The union invites all Belarusian breweries, irrespective of ownership and size, as well as Belsolod, the only supplier of brewer's malt, to join the guild.

Belarus’ beer output decreased 5.1% on the year in January-March 2010 to 7.366 million decaliters. Beer import rose 7% to 2.783 million decaliters.