Running out of fizz: sales drop at Heineken and Carlsberg
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Heineken and Carlsberg reported a fall in beer sales as European drinkers were hit by bad weather, tax hikes and continued austerity.
Heineken, the world's third-largest brewer, said the volume of beer it sold in the UK and the rest of Western Europe dropped by 8 per cent. Chief executive Jean-François van Boxmeer said the second quarter had seen fewer pints pulled than it had expected at the end of March.
Heineken, which sponsors the Champions League and boasts Strongbow cider and Sol and Tiger beer among its brands, saw first-half profits fall 17 per cent to ¤693 million.
Rival Carlsberg spooked investors with lower-than-expected profits and a more pessimistic outlook for Russia, which has become its single largest market. Chief executive Joergen Buhl Rasmussen said: "Challenging market conditions underpin the importance of our continued efforts to make our business more efficient."
Carlsberg, which also makes Tuborg and Kronenbourg, said Western European volumes dropped 6 per cent in the last quarter. First half-profits were flat at 4.1 billion kroner (£469 million).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments