Heineken beer volume rises 4.8% as all regions grow
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Global brewery Heineken NV said third-quarter beer volume rose 4.8 per cent, as every region contributed to growth, and the Dutch brewer held its full-year profit outlook.
“We delivered good volume growth of 5 per cent, with positive contributions from all regions,” Chief Executive Rafa Oliveira said. “This gives us confidence to confirm our full-year outlook.”
Total volume reached 76.0 million hectolitres on an organic basis, which strips out currency swings and acquisitions, the company said on Wednesday. Net revenue before exceptional items climbed 4.6 per cent organically to €8.09 billion. Volume for the first nine months rose 2.7 per cent, so the quarter marks a pickup.
Heineken kept its forecast for organic operating profit growth of 2 per cent to 6 per cent for 2026. It also said its productivity programme remains on track to deliver €500 million in gross savings this year.
The Americas returned to growth, though the company noted an easier comparison with last year. Europe also grew, helped by what Heineken called strong summer execution against softer comparisons. Africa and the Middle East delivered what the company described as resilient growth, and Asia Pacific maintained solid momentum.
Premium beers led gains
Premium volume grew 11.5 per cent, and the five global brands together grew 9.9 per cent. Volume of the flagship Heineken brand rose 9.7 per cent. Mainstream beer lagged, with volume up 2.4 per cent. Low- and no-alcohol beer posted double-digit growth, led by Heineken 0.0 and Heineken Ultimate. Volume of ‘beyond beer’ drinks rose in the mid-teens.
Pricing and mix added to revenue. Price and mix improved 1.8 per cent on a constant geographic basis, although net revenue per hectolitre rose only 0.7 per cent.
Heineken also agreed to buy a majority stake in Stëlz to build out its beyond-beer portfolio. The deal needs regulatory approval. The company said it is expanding a simplified European operating model after successful pilots.
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