Growth for brand Heineken in key markets

Brand Heineken grew 8.1% in volume in the first quarter of 2018, with growth in key markets around the world, according to the company’s first quarter trading update this morning.

Brazil, South Africa, Russia, Nigeria, Italy, Mexico and Vietnam in particular all contributed to growth; which Heineken says more than offset lower volumes in the US, the Netherlands and China.

Originating as a 19th century local beer in Amsterdam, brand Heineken is now sold in more than 170 countries. It has also recently been rolling out Heineken 0.0, a non-alcoholic lager with 69 calories per 33cl bottle.

Across the company – which includes other international brands such as Amstel, Desperados, Tiger and Sol - consolidated beer volumes rose 4.3% organically, with growth in Asia Pacific, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Volumes in Europe, however, suffered from colder weather, with volumes down 1.7%; while US volumes also declined.  

Regional markets

Africa, Middle East & Eastern Europe

  • Consolidated beer volume grew organically by 6.1%
  • Brand Heineken drove double digit volume growth in South Africa and Russia
  • Beer volume up double digit in Egypt thanks to an increase in tourism
  • Volume declines in Nigeria and DRC

Americas

  • Consolidated beer volume grew organically by 6.8%
  • Strong performance of Tecate, Dos Equis and Heineken in Mexico, leading to high single digit beer volume growth
  • In Brazil beer volume grew organically double digit against a low comparable: Heineken, Amstel, Sol and the beer portfolio acquired from Brasil Kirin continued to deliver double digit volume growth
  • A declining US beer market saw Heineken USA beer volumes down high single digit

Asia Pacific

  • Consolidated beer volume was up organically 11.3%
  • Beer volume was up double digit in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and New Zealand
  • In Indonesia beer volume was down double digit, partly attributed to lingering disruption in tourism following the volcanic eruption in Bali at the end of 2017

Europe

  • Consolidated beer volume declined organically by 1.7% due to colder weather
  • Volumes down in the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Austria
  • Volumes grew double digit in Italy