Netherlands: Heineken reports strongest performance in more than a decade

Heineken has increased its net sales in 2018 by 4% to 22.47 billion euros, according to Heineken’s report of its full year results which was released today.

Organic growth was 6.1%. Consolidated beer sales increased by 4.2 percent to 234 million hl. As expected, the strongest growth markets were the Asia Pacific region with a sales increase of 8.2 percent to 29 million hl; America was the highest-volume region with 83.3 million hl (+ 5.4%). Europe only gained 1.3%, reaching 79.8 million hl.

The group's operating profit increased organically by 6.4% to EUR 3.87 billion in 2017, and net income increased by 12.5% to EUR 2.42 billion.

The Heineken brand grew 7.7% to 38.7 million hl, its strongest performance in more than a decade. Ten markets now sell more than 1 million hectoliters of Heineken. Volume grew double digit in Brazil, South Africa, Russia, the UK, Nigeria, Mexico, Poland and Germany, and China returned to growth.

Heineken's Cider division rose to 5.6 million hl worldwide.

Jean-François van Boxmeer, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, commented:

"In 2018 we delivered another year of superior top-line growth. The Heineken® brand grew 7.7%, its best performance in over a decade, with Heineken® 0.0 now available in 38 countries. Our premium portfolio grew double digit, led by our international brands, craft & variety and cider portfolios. All regions grew and Brazil recorded a strong performance following the successful integration of our two businesses. Our operating profit margin (beia) decreased by 17 bps due to the first time consolidation of Brazil, rising input costs and adverse currency developments. A key milestone in 2018 was the announcement of the strategic partnership with CRE to join forces in China, a big opportunity for both companies, which is pending regulatory approval.”

For the ongoing year the Dutch brewer expects the operating profit (beia) to grow by mid-single digit on an organic basis."

For further details please refer to the company’s website.

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