News Article Comments : AB InBev sees UK volumes rise 3.9%

AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, has reported a 3.9% increase in UK volumes in the third quarter following double digit growth of its three flagship brands.

The brewer said that it had claimed a bigger share of the UK market between July and September driven by Stella Artois, Beck’s and Budweiser, with new products Stella 4% and Beck’s Vier also performing well.

Posting results this morning, the company said that globally third quarter volumes decreased 3.2%, with all regions except Latin America impacted by shrinking beer markets, although the fall was partly offset by price rises and cost cuts.

Net profit rose to $1.55bn (£935m) from $690m in 2008 and ebitda increased 11.9% to $3.5bn.

The company said that its balance sheet had been strengthened following several disposals including some central European operations and US theme parks, which bought in $9bn since the merger of Anheuser-Busch and InBev last year.

It said that paying off debt was still a priority and that it wa