In 2023, Budejovicky Budvar NP, the Czech brewer known for its legal battle with Anheuser-Busch over the Budweiser brand, reported significant growth in net profit, output, and exports. The company's net profit surged by 46.3% to 293.8 million Czech crowns ($12.6 million), attributed to successful market development both domestically and internationally. This growth helped offset the impact of losing the Russian market, as Budvar ceased exports to Russia and Belarus following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The 128-year-old state-owned brewery had experienced a 40% profit decline in 2022 due to the war in Ukraine and high inflation driven by escalating energy prices. However, in 2023, a weaker local currency contributed to the increased profit. Budvar's total output reached 1.865 million hectoliters (49.3 million gallons), with 72% of it being exported, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous year.
Export volumes rose by 4.6% in 2023, with top markets including Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Britain, Austria, and Canada. The company's beer is now available in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Notably, Budvar and Anheuser-Busch have been locked in a trademark dispute over the Budweiser brand since 1906. While Budvar holds exclusive rights to sell Budweiser in most major European markets, including Germany, both companies can distribute the beer in the UK following a court ruling that consumers can differentiate between the two brands.
It is worth noting that Anheuser-Busch is part of the larger company AB InBev, adding complexity to the ongoing legal battle between the two brewing giants.
