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Heineken reports strong growth; Carlsberg sees 7% decline

By MC Allegra FS

- Last updated on GMT

Heineken's David Forde
Heineken's David Forde

Related tags Europe

Results from Heineken and Carlsberg reveal different stories of the brewing giants in the last year.

Heineken has reported double digit volume growth in the UK in 2015, boosted by a strong third quarter.

The company said volumes in the premium segment, which includes the UK, were up 3.5%. Globally organic revenue rose 3.5% with revenue per hectolitre up 1.3%.

Consolidated beer volume was up 2.3% with positive growth in Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe offsetting weaker volume in Africa Middle East & Eastern Europe.

Cider volume increased mid-single digit with positive performance in the UK boosted by better weather and further innovations, including Strongbow Cloudy Apple and the continued success of Strongbow Dark Fruit.

Carlsberg has said its UK business remains “challenged” with volumes declining by 7% in 2015.

The company said that while price/mix improved during the year the loss of “some major customer contracts” impacted volumes negatively, especially in Q4. It said the restructuring of the business was progressing as scheduled with increased brand visibility and a revitalised communication strategy.

The company said the Somersby portfolio had been strengthened by the international flavour variants introduced to the market.

It said that the Western European beer market throughout the year had been flat and that it estimated slight growth only in the fourth quarter.

Globally the company grew organic net revenue 2% with a 5% uplift in Q4.

Chief executive Cees ’t Hart said: “2015 was a mixed year for the Carlsberg Group. While our Asian business continues to perform strongly, our businesses in Western and Eastern Europe had a challenging year."

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