FDBusiness.com

Anheuser-Busch InBev achieved organic growth of 5.9% in revenue to $47.06 billion and a 6.6% rise in EBITDA to $18.54 billion for 2014. Total volumes grew by 0.6% in 2014, with own beer volumes growing by 0.5% and non-beer volumes growing by 1.3%. Revenue per hl grew by 5.3% organically and by 5.7% on a constant geographic basis.

Anheuser-Busch InBev’s focus brands grew volume by 2.2% and its global brands grew by 5.4% in 2014, led by Budweiser which grew by 5.9%, and Corona which grew by 5.8%.

Established ten years ago following the combination of Interbrew and Ambev, Anheuser-Busch InBev has built a solid foundation, creating the world’s leading brewer, through organic growth as well as major mergers, including with Anheuser-Busch in 2008 and Grupo Modelo in 2013. The group has driven net revenue per hectoliter ahead of inflation through sound revenue management practices and premiumisation of its portfolio, resulting in strong growth in margins, cash flow and total shareholder returns.

The global beer group’s portfolio encompasses 16 brands each generating over US$1 billion in retail sales per year, and more in the pipeline through successful innovations such as the Ritas. Anheuser-Busch InBev’s three global brands, Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois, are very complementary, providing opportunities to connect with a broad range of consumers across multiple occasions and geographies.

Its global brands, coupled with international brands, Beck’s, Leffe and Hoegaarden, make up a strong international premium portfolio that gives the group options in terms of entry into new markets. The portfolio is rounded out by local champions, such as Bud Light in the US, Harbin in China, Skol in Brazil, Jupiler in Belgium and Quilmes in Argentina. These leading brands, focused on local markets, are the core of the business.

Innovation continues to play an important role in building Anheuser-Busch InBev’s brands, meeting evolving consumer needs and creating new consumption occasions in the future. Key beverage innovations in 2014 included Cubanisto, a premium rum-flavored beer, launched in the UK, France and Belgium; MixxTail in Argentina, a malt beverage cocktail; and Skol Beats Senses in Brazil, a flavoured, higher ABV line extension from Skol that can be mixed with ice. All three innovations were designed to complement the night time occasion. Anheuser-Busch InBev also created Budweiser Brewmaster Reserve in China, a limited edition brew, capped with a distinctive champagne-style cork, for the growing super-premium channel. And there is more to come. Oculto, a new tequila-flavored beer, as well as MixxTail, for example, are both planned to hit the US market early in 2015.