Baltika Breweries (Russia) and Grupo Modelo (Mexico) have 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.