FDBusiness.com

Global brewer SABMiller has reported a 1% organic decline in full year lager volumes in Europe as beer market growth continued to be subdued and competitors aggressively promoted economy brands and packs. Fourth quarter volumes were down 2%. The completion of planned de-stocking in the second half of the year affected Poland and Romania, which together with the effects of continuing competitor price reductions and promotional activity, resulted in volume declines of 4% and 8% respectively for the year.

In the Czech Republic, domestic volumes were in line with the prior year supported by good performance of brand and pack innovations and despite continuing weakness in the on-premise channel. In Russia, volumes were up 2%, ahead of beer market performance, and strong growth continued in Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine reflect 11 months of trading prior to the conclusion of the transaction with Anadolu Efes. The United Kingdom achieved volume growth of 8% for the full year, led by the expansion of Peroni Nastro Azzurro in the on-premise channel.