How did Heineken perform in 2018? – results data

2018 sales climb 6.1% to EUR22.47bn (US$25.38bn)
12-month volumes increase by 4.2%, all regions post growth
“Superior” sales growth performance expected in 2019, despite continued economic volatility

Heineken is toasting a strong set of full-year results, with sales in 2018 rising by just over 6%.

The increase in the top-line, which came in at EUR22.5bn, came on the back of a similar lift in the first six months of the year. The group said today it is expecting its performance in 2019 to remain healthy, with growth led by volumes, price and its ongoing premiumisation strategy.

Heineken 2018 – Sales by Region – Reported:

There was sales growth in all of Heineken’s reporting regions, however sales in Europe, which account for just under half of Heineken’s total, were the slowest, up 3%. Heineken’s second biggest region, the Amercias, was up 8% in sales helped by volumes growth in Brazil and revenue initiatives. The US declined in volumes, as did volumes for craft brewer Lagunitas.

Heineken 2018 – Volumes by Region – Reported:

The brewer’s beer volumes were up by just over 4% in 2018, although fourth-quarter growth slowed to +3.3%, compared to a 4.6% rise in the corresponding three-month period a year earlier.

In Heineken’s low- and no-alcohol catagory, European volumes were up high-single digits on the success of Heineken 0.0. Globally, volumes were up mid-single digits for the zero-abv beer. The introduction of Heineken 0.0 helped brand Heineken beer enjoy its strongest year in more than a decade, with volumes up 8%, Heineken said. Volumes for brand Heineken grew double digit in Brazil, South Africa, Russia, the UK, Nigeria, Mexico, Poland and Germany, and China returned to growth.

CEO Jean-François van Boxmeer

“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 digits, 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 strategic priorities are growth-oriented with an ever-increasing emphasis on the sustainability of this growth, both socially and environmentally. We focus on innovation … whilst seeking productivity improvements and constantly reassessing our spending behaviour. Going into 2019, we expect the environment to remain uncertain and volatile.”

To read Heineken’s official results announcement, click the following link: https://www.theheinekencompany.com/Media/Media-Releases/Press-releases/2…