The Korea International Trade Association awarded Oriental Brewery Co. for the company’s record-breaking export performance this year.

OB’s yearly exports surpassed $100 million for the first time in history among beer producers in Korea.

OB said it posted exports totaling $106.6 million per annum between July 2011 and June 2012. It sold about 15.7 million boxes, with 20 0.5-liter bottles, in the overseas market during the period.

While the liquor industry calculates a fiscal year from July to June, OB’s exports continued to increase over the past three years ― $84 million in 2011 and $42 million in 2010, respectively.

OB, which has regained its crown in the nation’s beer market, is widening the gap with its competitor Hite-Jinro in terms of market share.

“We’ve captured 54.5 percent of the market while Hite-Jinro’s share stood at 45.5 percent,” a company spokeswoman said.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)