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NEWS FROM THE EXHIBITION

Press Release - May 2000

BOTTOMS UP AT RUSSIA'S PREMIER DRINKS AND BEVERAGE EVENT!!!

The Russian economy is estimated to have grown at a rate of 6.8 per cent to the end of the first quarter of this year (FT, 10/05/00). Project Manager Alex Hogg comments; "Foreign investors have reacted positively to the election of Vladimir Putin as President and there is a new mood of possibility in Moscow as the middle class has re-emerged following the financial crisis. International financial institutuions are again desperate to re-engage Russia."

Over 100 companies from 20 countries participated in Drinks Russia '99 as their platform for expanding their activity in the Russian drinks industry and over 30,000 trade visitors attended the show.

ITE are proud to announce that Drinks Russia is fully endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Russian Federation, highlighting the importance of the event in the Russian trade calendar.

So far, exhibitors confirmed at the show represent the growth areas such as Moldovan wines, Mineral waters, PET Bottles, Caps & closures, and Spirits. The exhibition is expected to fill more than 2000sqm from last year reflecting the positive developments in the industry attracting visitors from throughout Russia, Ukraine, Baltic States, Moldova, Belarus, Poland, Germany and Czech Republic.

For further information on Drinks Russia, please contact Alex Hogg at ITE on +44 (0) 20 7596 5182

Should you include this information in your publication, please forward a copy to Katie Cursons at;