Heineken reports strong H1 growth | Progresiv
Heineken has reported better-than-expected profit for its fiscal first half, helped by improved results in Europe and in the US. 
For the six months, revenue was up 3.8% to 10.5 billion euros (+5.7% organic basis), with operating profit up 5.9% to 1.8 billion euros (+11.8% organic) and net profit surging up 48.6% to 871 million euros (+10.5% organic). The growth was helped by a 2.6% rise in global beer volumes, which included a 4.2% increase in the second quarter.
The Heineken brand reported a 3.9% rise in volume (organic basis), helped by growth in all markets excepting Asia-Pacific, which was hurt by reduced demand in China and Vietnam. Meanwhile, its International brands reported strong growth – Affligem, Tiger, Krušovice, Tecate and Red Stripe saw double-digit volume rises; Desperados reported a high single-digit increase; and Sol Premium recorded a low single-digit improvement.
Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chairman and CEO, noted: “A well-balanced global footprint, sustained investment in our beer and cider brands, market leading innovations and a focus on premiumisation continue to differentiate our strategy and underpin our progress.” (www.kamcity.com)
