an emphasis on brand building, new package alternatives, and close coordination with bottling partners to drive superior local marketplace execution, offset by a de-emphasis on large-format water and powdered drinks in Mexico. 

The North Asia, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment's unit case volume increased 12 percent in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily led by 22 percent growth in China as a result of a new advertising campaign, innovative packaging and promotion in the cities, and affordable 200ml packaging in the towns. Japan's growth of 4 percent was driven by Trademark Coca-Cola unit case volume growth of 3 percent and Trademark Fanta growth of 17 percent. Unit case volume growth in Turkey, Russia and the Middle East was mainly due to successful promotions and continued positive economic trends. 

Gallon Sales 

In 2005, the 1 percent increase in gallon sales in the North America operating segment was primarily related to the Retail Division. In Africa, the 7 percent gallon sales growth was led by South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt. In Latin America, the 6 percent gallon sales increase was led by growth in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina. The 12 percent increase in gallon sales in the North Asia, Eurasia and Middle East operating segment was primarily due to growth in China, Russia and Turkey. Japan gallon sales were slightly higher in 2005 compared to 2004. The increases in gallon sales in the North America; the Africa; the Latin America; and the North Asia, Eurasia and Middle East operating segments were offset by a 1 percent decrease in the European Union operating segment and a 6 percent decrease in the East, South Asia and Pacific Rim operating segment. In the European Union operating segment, gallon sales decreased 1 percent, with the largest declines occurring in Germany and Northwest Europe, partially offset by growth in Spain and Central Europe. In the East, South Asia and Pacific Rim operating segment, gallon sales decreased 6 percent, primarily due to the continuing challenging conditions in India and the Philippines. 

The decrease in gallon sales in Germany was primarily due to the continuing impact of the mandatory deposit legislation on nonrefillable beverage packages and the corresponding limited availability of our products in the discount retail channel, along with overall industry weakness. In the second half of 2005, the Company achieved a limited range of availability of its products in most discounters. Results in Germany stabilized in the second half of 2005. The German legislature passed an amendment to the mandatory deposit legislation that will require retailers, including discounters, to accept returns of each type of nonrefillable beverage containers they sell, regardless of where the beverage package type was purchased, the amendment allows for a transition period until mid-2006. We expect the German business to continue to stabilize during 2006. For a discussion of the operating environment in Germany, refer to the heading "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Goodwill, Trademarks and Other Intangible Assets." We will continue to focus on improving our short-term performance and strengthening our